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Costa Coffee
Developments such as the new roaster were crucial to Costa. With huge growth over the 1990's the company had increased to 186 stores by 1999 and in 2000, 3.7 million cups of coffee were sold each week. Costa is now the leading UK branded coffee shop with over 300 stores and host units in a number of complementary retail outlets, including selected Ottakers and Waterstones bookstores, WHSmith and Homebase stores, Marriott Hotels and Middlesex Hospital. Most recently Costa has opened coffee bars inside select branches of Abbey National to bring you the first coffee shop in a bank. The Franchise With 300 company-owned stores across the UK and experience of running franchises at a corporate and international level, Costa has now launched a new Franchise opportunity in the UK. We are seeking to open new stores across the UK, focussing on busy market towns to supplement our growing company-owned network. We firmly believe that with a strong national presence in major cities and towns already established and high brand awareness, the time is right to launch this unique opportunity. By opening over 300 stores across the UK we have built robust systems and processes that have enabled our stores to focus on ensuring that the customer comes first every time! top The Franchise Package  We are looking for Franchisees who have the energy and resources to open and develop a "cluster" of approximately five stores in a geographical region. With the full weight and experience of both Costa, and our parent company Whitbread, we will work with you to establish your first store in your first year with us. And when you have successfully launched and operated your first store we will work with you to exploit the right regional opportunities within your territory. As a Costa Franchisee operating up to five sites, you will have a significant business which will require the right infrastructure and team in place to support it.Nothing has been left to chance and our combination of experience and know how will enable our Franchisees to operate to the very highest of standards. Our operational blueprint will enable you and your teams to hit the ground running, allowing you to focus on the overall development of the business. From "cluster" identification, through to the training of you and your people, we will support you with real "hands-on", practical advice top Our Support A key feature of the Costa Franchise package is the support that we put in place:
top Have you got what it takes? We are looking to appoint a number of locally based entrepreneurs that have the drive and motivation to work closely with us to make a success of their own business. You will need to demonstrate a track record of working successfully in a fast paced consumer environment and you will need to have a passion for making the customer experience reflect the quality of the Costa Brand. Our opportunities extend across the UK and we are looking for Business Partners that can commit to excellence and growth - ultimately growing to as many as 5 outlets within your chosen area. In addition to experience and drive you will need to be able to motivate others, manage teams and maintain effective relationship with staff, advisers, Costa Management and customers. top Frequently Asked Questions Q. How much capital will I require? A. Initially we would expect Franchisees to invest between £120,000 and £150,000 depending upon the site. However, we expect Franchisees to demonstrate the commercial drive to fund and develop up to five stores. We expect around 30% of your total investment to be available in liquid assets before borrowing. Q. What experience do I need? A. We do not expect you to have coffee retailing experience, as our package of training and support will enable you to operate to the highest standards. Because we fully expect you to operate up to five stores in your "cluster", we will tend to focus on your commercial drive together with your ability to lead and motivate a large team of staff to deliver our Costa brand standards. Q. Will I be able to sell my franchise? A. Yes, you can sell your Costa business just like any other business. However, we will want to vet the incoming Franchisee in the same way as we vet you. We also have the right to match the highest offer you have received and buy the business ourselves. Q. Will I have to work full time in the business? A. We prefer people who have no other business interests so that they can devote their full time and attention to their business. We would expect you to take a "hands-on" role in the first store and then to take a "cluster" operational role as the business grows. Q. If accepted as a Franchisee how long will it take to open my first unit? A. This depends on how quickly you can find yourself a suitable location. As a guide you should be prepared to allow six months to find and fit-out a property. Q. How much money will I make? A. Costa provides you with a business blueprint and the tools to help you make the business a success. Your success will depend on how you use the blueprint and the tools at your disposal. Q. Does Costa offer any financial assistance? A. No, however we can guide you through the key funding decisions and introduce you to key banking teams who have a working knowledge of the Costa Franchise system. Q. Can I open more than one store? A. Absolutely! We are only interested in pursuing interest from Franchisees who can meet the development criteria of opening up to five stores within their territory. Q. What If I don't wish to manage more than one store? A. We would suggest that you contact our Wholesale department where one of our sales team will contact you with further information on purchasing point of sale equipment & coffee products. Q. Do I need to find my own sites? A. We fully expect Franchisees to play an active role in finding their own sites. However, we can also help you to find the right sites through our knowledge of the property market. We will insist on "signing off/approving" all sites. top  Key Info | | ||||||||||
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