Coffee firm funded by Yorkshire Bank creates 30 jobs

21st May 2014

Costa Coffee has opened a new branch in Liverpool’s world famous Albert Dock and created 30 new jobs with support from Yorkshire Bank.

The 3000sqft outlet is located in The Colonnades area of the busy tourist spot and operated by franchisee Optimum Coffee Group. The new branch is Optimum’s second Costa site at the Dock.

Optimum, one of the UK’s top five Costa franchisees, and Yorkshire Bank jointly invested £250,000 in the new branch. The deal was delivered by Mike Scott, relationship manager at the Bank’s Business and Private Banking Centre in Liverpool.

Occupying two units in The Colonnades, a 19th century Grade 1-listed former warehouse building, the new branch is close to Tate Liverpool. Optimum, which was founded in 1998 and now employs more than 350 staff expects turnover across the group to grow to £7 million following the opening of the new store. Its target is to grow turnover to £10 million.

Mark Bryan, director of Optimum, said: “Albert Dock is the vibrant heart of Liverpool’s historic waterfront, boasting wonderful architecture, world class museums and a huge range of venues to eat and drink.

“We’re delighted to be part of the Dock’s continued success story by opening a second branch at the world famous site. We are grateful to Yorkshire Bank for their support and look forward to working with its knowledgeable team to expand the business.”

The group operates 19 Costa branches across the Merseyside area and is committed to opening a further five new stores.

Stewart Cook, head of Yorkshire Bank’s Liverpool Business and Private Banking Centre, said: “The continued success which Optimum is enjoying reflects the commitment of Mark and his team and represents all that is good about the entrepreneurial spirit of Liverpool’s business community.

“We’re pleased to support the group’s latest venture in the heart of the city’s historic Albert Dock area and continue to explore further growth opportunities with Optimum.”