Business Awards Recognise Cafe2U Success

Cafe2U has scooped a prestigious business award for ‘Best Newcomer’ at the TheBusinessDesk.com Yorkshire Business Master awards held in Leeds last week.

The award recognised Cafe2U as the best new business initiative in the region after hundreds of business people voted for the winner in an online poll, following a vigorous judging process selecting the shortlisted companies.

More than 200 senior business figures attended the award ceremony, which was held in Leeds on Thursday (17th June) where managing director Tom Acland received the award, one of only five made each year.

Cafe2U, originally formed in Australia, was brought to the UK by Leeds Metropolitan University hospitality graduate Tom Acland in 2005, when he fell in love with the coffees he bought from a Cafe2U van in Sydney.

Tom Acland said: “The concept of high quality coffee delivered to where you work is easy to understand, and this simplicity is one of the factors that is driving our growth. We now operate 54 franchisees in the UK, but aim to increase this to 350 over the next four years.”

“This award recognises the excellence of our service and the franchisee’s high standards and commitment.” He added. 

Video clip below shows the introduction to the Yorkshire Business Master's Newcomer Award and Tom's acceptance:

Cafe2U provides caffeine hits to delighted customers in Reading

Cafe2U recently launched in the Reading area with great success; Tim, Cafe2U Reading West franchise partner, launched the business using the successful accelerated launch program with guidance from a Cafe2U Franchise Development Manager.

The launch was a great success, producing record daily, launch takings and providing many delighted customers with a daily caffeine fix!

“The initial success of my Cafe2U business has been overwhelming. It is a pleasure to be serving such a great product that my customers love. My corporate life is already a distant memory and the flexibility and fun I have running my Cafe2U business is a refreshing change.”
Tim, Cafe2U Reading West.

What is Cafe2U ? video

Meet Franchise Partners: new starter, Michael, and seasoned veteran, Jenny

Cafe2U starts 2010 strongly with 7 new outlets already opened!

Cafe2U have started 2010 where it left off in 2009, with 7 new Cafe2U outlets already open and serving great coffee to customers across the UK.

Cafe2U have welcomed five new franchisees to the business, and they are enjoying serving great Cafe2U coffee to happy customers in totally different corners of Oxford, Northwich, Welwyn Garden City, Wetherby, and Glasgow!

Two existing Cafe2U franchisees have expanded their businesses already this year, by opening another outlet.  In Belfast, Jeff, has opened his third Cafe2U van and is already thinking about a 4th later this year!  While Anne Marie, of Cafe2U Kirkby In Ashfield, Notts,  has complimented her Cafe2U van, with a Cafe2U Coffee Shop in the same business park that her van operates.

“It is hard work, but very exciting, and it shows that loyal, local customers just cannot get enough of Cafe2U, and our great service!”, commented Anne Marie.

“Although the local economy is not completely recovered, I felt it would be a good time to expand, because the demand for the Cafe2U coffee has never been stronger”, said a very proud Jeff, in Belfast.

The curious thing about Flat Whites.............

Over the past few months Cafe2U have been curiously looking on as the coffee industry excitedly embraces the Flat White. A new drink as announced by some and others noting some very clever baristas creating an exciting stronger drink in their spare time!!

Here at Cafe2U we have been making the Flat White in the UK since our inception five years ago and even longer in Australia where Cafe2U was first formed. We are all agreed the increased focus on Flat Whites has been good for business, not just in reminding customers there are many great ways of enjoying espresso based coffee, but improved interaction with our customers as they want to learn more.

Long may the Flat White continue...........

A year of success for Steve Dyson Cafe2U Franchise Partner Barnsley

Not only has Steve captured the Beverage Service Associations Bev E award, Cafe2U Barista of Year Award, but now Steve is officially a UK Barista Championship Semi Finalist!

Espresso coffee has come a long way in the past five years, with standards improving all the time. As a national winner of the Beverage Service Association (BSA) Bev E award three years in a row Cafe2U knows what it takes to maintain consistency throughout its business. This year’s winner of the BSA Bev E award was Steve Dyson Cafe2U Franchise Partner from Barnsley.

Not content with his first accolade Steve also picked up Cafe2U’s Barista of the Year at this years Cafe2U Conference Award Ceremony for consistently demonstrating all the attributes of the model Barista. Having only been a Cafe2U franchisee for 18 months Steve was certainly proving that as well as starting a new business there was still time win awards!

Steve’s fascination with coffee had grown over the past year and a taste of a local barista competition led Steve to enter the UK Barista Championships for the first time. Steve finished the event with a credible semi final place under his belt. Expect to see Steve visiting the business parks around Barnsley and Wakefield for a championship winning drink and service with smiles! Expect to hear more from Steve throughout the year ahead…….

Steve in competition at the UKBC

Cafe2U's New Acceleration Package

Cafe2U have introduced their new Acceleration Package to ensure franchisees hit the ground running from day one. The package fast tracks their business by up to three months, allowing them to reach daily income that previously took up to 3 months.

The Acceleration Package makes the rewards of small business ownership achievable in an accelerated time frame.

Cafe2U are including a NEW 4 week training and support package as part of all new acceleration package purchases. Your business is built alongside your own personal franchise coach, and you will take home an agreed income from day one.

Combine this with the governments new initiative on tax relief for capital purchases and you have the prefect timing to join Cafe2U.

Call Cafe2U today on 08456 444 708 or complete our enquiry form.

National Award for Barnsley Barista

A Barnsley-based mobile barista has won a national award this week after his coffee service was judged the best in the UK at a black tie ceremony in Manchester.
Steve Dyson, a familiar face at offices and factories in and around Barnsley, where he makes daily visits in his Cafe2U van, beat three other finalists for a prestigious Beverage Service Association (BSA) award at the glittering event.
“I am delighted that my service won the award, and would like to thank my many customers in Barnsley that helped me gain this recognition.” said Steve.
The winner of the award was judged on quality of service, the range of products on the menu and value for money and Steve beat competitors including other entries from the Cafe2U franchise that he works with, from all over the UK.
“Steve deserves this award, and we are delighted that he’s been crowned as king of the mobile Baristas.  It was a bitter sweet victory though, as we had other Cafe 2U franchisees nominated for the same award, but there could only be one winner,” said Tom Acland, managing director of Cafe2U.
In total Cafe 2U now operates more than 50 custom built coffee vans selling gourmet coffee and other snacks and food to tens of thousands of customers across the UK each week.

Cafe2U raises over £3000 for Macmillan as part of the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning

After the success of last years fundraising efforts Cafe2U once again helped raise funds for this very worthwhile cause.
World's Biggest Coffee Morning is one of the biggest fundraising events in the UK, with an estimated 2 million people raising their mugs for Macmillan last year. This year's event took place on Friday 25 September and with your help Cafe2U helped raise over £3000 to support people affected by cancer.

Every day 822 people in the UK are told they have cancer. This is news that not only turns their world upside down but also affects their family and friends. Cafe2U was keen to be involved again as Cafe2U’s involvement over the past three years has also been a great success. Cafe2U franchisees not only raised money for a worthwhile cause, but also introduced themselves & the campaign to many new customers.

Alex Dawson Operations Manager explains the importance of this event, “By holding the coffee mornings nationwide for Macmillan each of the Cafe2U franchisees and their respective customers were able to do their bit to help improve the lives of people living with cancer.”
Please visit www.macmillan.org.uk for more information.

Cafe2U Cheltenham wins Barista of the Year & trip to Milan

Earlier this year Graham Lickfold from Cafe2U Cheltenham won the franchise’s Barista of the Year award. The Cafe2U Barista of the Year is a very tough award to win, this year was no exception. Tom Acland MD of Cafe2U explains, “We have a nomination process for the awards, which we then discuss, score each attribute, in conjunction with a secret criteria. Graham won because he consistently demonstrated all the attributes of the model Barista making some of the best coffee we have tasted”. Graham was presented with his award, certificate and trip to Milan at the annual Cafe2U Franchisee Awards Dinner.

Graham has recently taken his fantastic break to Milan and for a true barista this was the trip of a lifetime! Graham explains: “We were met at the airport by a chauffeur and driven to our Hotel in Salice Terme. Early the following day we were collected by chauffer (again!) and taken to the Brasilia factory where we spent four hours with Andrea Lattuada, one of Brasilia’s Master Baristas. Brasilia get hundreds of requests for Andrea to teach all over the world and I was lucky enough to have this one to one master class. I was also given a very interesting tour of the Brasilia factory.” Graham concludes on his three years with Cafe2U and the growth in customer demand, “Cafe2U continues its drive as the UK’s No.1 mobile coffee provider and this prize and package is further indication of Cafe2U’s commitment to its franchisees in ensuring that all Cafe2U customers get the very best in gourmet coffee and a wide selection of other hot drinks.”

Graham Lickfold Cafe2U Cheltenham & Andrea Lattuada from Brasilia

Cafe2U Belfast Harbour raises £500 for “Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children”

Jeff & Ron of Cafe2U Belfast Harbour recently held charity raffles on their respective vans and got all their customers involved to raise money for “Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children”. The charity is a local, recognised charity giving vital support and making a positive contribution to the lives of young people diagnosed with cancer and their families.

Jeff & Ron from Cafe2U Belfast Harbour with the Cancer Fund Representative

Jeff & Ron approached their loyal customers, who already appreciate their daily coffee to ask if they would be happy to support them in their fundraising efforts. The fundraising effort commenced with the announcement that Cafe2U HQ would start the fundraising by donating £50 straight off.

At the end of the fundraising campaign the winners were informed by email and all customers and supporters were thanked for their fantastic support and were informed that the total amount raised was more than £500!! Jeff and Ron were then presented with a certificate in appreciation of their fundraising efforts.

Cafe2U delight customers at the first Mini Monster event of 2009!

Cafe2U franchisee Laura Macrae, of Cafe2U Aberdeen Westhill recently attended the “Mini Monster” event organised by First Group.

The event was a great success with customers making repeat visits to the Cafe2U van and complimenting Laura on her coffee.  Laura sold over 100 hot drinks to her happy customers which included the Chief Executive of First Group!!

Cafe2U are proud to support the Mini Monster series of events for the second year running. The events take place across Britain with the aim of getting families and groups of friends together to enjoy a sporting day out and help raise money for charity.

For further information see:
http://www.firstmonster.co.uk/mini-monster/index.php

Cafe2U launch first franchise in the Republic of Ireland

The world’s leading mobile café franchise prepares to expand its operations in Ireland.

Cafe2U franchisee David Hobbs
with his Cafe2U van

David Hobbs will operate as the first Cafe2U franchisee in the Republic of Ireland. Visiting business parks and Industrial Estates in the South Dublin and Wicklow area, David will serve Cafe2U’s unique blend of gourmet espresso coffee, hot food and snacks to delighted customers at these non-traditional locations.

David who previously worked as a chef was quickly taken with the idea of being a Cafe2U franchisee when he fist saw the franchise advertised. He subsequently flew to Leeds to discuss the opportunities available in the South of Ireland and see the franchise in action at Cafe2U’s head office.

The expansion into the Republic of Ireland is a great success for Cafe2U who already operate over 45 franchises across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands.

Cafe2U wish David every success with his new Cafe2U franchise and hope to add further franchises across the Republic of Ireland in the coming year.

For further information about the Cafe2U franchise contact Cafe2U on 08456 444 708 (UK) or 1890 876757 (ROI) or franchises@cafe2u.co.uk

Cafe2U Conference 09 & Franchisee Awards

"The Power of the Brand"

Cafe2U proudly held its third annual conference and Franchisee Awards on Saturday 31st January 2009. The day was another celebration of the achievements of Cafe2U as a franchise system.

Read more ...

Congratulations Cafe2U Belfast East

Once again Cafe2U is recognised for the excellent standards within its business. Will McCullough (Belfast East) continues the run of Cafe2U franchisees attaining the very best in the Scores on the Doors hygiene accreditation scheme. This follows Ian Dickson (Belfast Newtownabbey) Ian Stewart (Harrogate), Ian Holmes (Leeds) and Natalie Taylor (Ashford) who were all awarded the highest maximum score for a mobile catering business from their local council through Scores on the Doors.

Scores on the Doors is a government Food Standards Agency supported scheme. It is very important that all food businesses obey the law and supply food that is safe to eat. This pilot project allows customers in certain areas to see how well a food business has done on its last inspection.

Cafe2U supports these types of initiative and looks forward to further councils adopting the scheme when rolled out later in the year.

Cafe2U wins Beverage Service Association award for the second year running

Ian Stewart from Cafe2U Harrogate is 2 good for his rivals!!!

Ian Stewart’s mobile coffee service in offices and factories in and around Harrogate is officially the best in the UK.

His daily visits in his Cafe2U van won the accolade at the Beverage Service Association (BSA) national Best Beverage awards in Coventry.

Ian said: “Of the hundreds of nominations, it is fantastic to have been chosen as the overall number one. My customers all say my coffee is great, and I love it obviously, but when a national association say so, it’s a great accolade,” said Ian. Nominations were judged on quality of service, the range of products on the menu, value for money and other aspects, and Ian won against tough competition from all over the UK.

The award, along with a trip for two to Bourges in France, was presented by Darill Lang, of UK Monin, at a black-tie dinner attended by more than 100 invited guests.

This award once again reinforces Cafe2U's strength in the market place as the UK's No.1 Mobile Espresso Operator. If you would like any further information please visit www.cafe2u.co.uk or telephone 08456 444 708

Cafe2u Celebrates First Anniversary In Northern Ireland

Cafe2U franchisees from Northern Ireland, with Tom Acland MD (the tall one!) 
and local Macmillan Fundraising Manager Rosaleen Mcatamney (the green one!)

Cafe2U celebrated its first anniversary in Northern Ireland in fantastic shape. Since Jeff Peters launched the first Cafe2U in Belfast Harbour in September 2007 many records have been broken and Belfast is now Cafe2U’s second largest trading city. Tom Acland MD arranged a special visit to congratulate the team over in Belfast. “The pace has not stopped and this year has seen a great year of growth. As well as four additional franchised operations in Belfast we have also added 17 franchised operations across the UK and the Channel Islands this year alone.”

Tom continues “Our franchisees in Belfast epitomise the strength and depth that we look for in new franchisees – a hunger to be successful, a desire to ensure the very best in espresso coffee, but most importantly the drive to take advantage of the fantastic business opportunity that is Cafe2U.”

The anniversary was also well timed as Cafe2U met up with local Macmillan Fundraising Manager, Rosaleen, to launch Cafe2U’s involvement in Macmillan’s Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning on Friday 26 September 2008. After the success of last years fundraising efforts Cafe2U will once again help raise funds for this very worthwhile cause.

World's Biggest Coffee Morning is one of the biggest fundraising events in the UK, with an estimated 2 million people raising their mugs for Macmillan last year. Every year 270,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in the UK. Macmillan’s aim is to support every one of those people and their friends and families too.

Organise your event online now!

Cafe2U offers easy, professional event catering solutions. If you would like the best espresso coffee at your event, Cafe2U can provide café quality beverages and snacks at functions in your location.

All Cafe2U mobile coffee vans are franchisees who own their own mobile coffee business. This ensures that you are serviced with the attention to detail that you require.

They are:

• Professionally trained baristas
• Accredited for safe food handling
• Uniformed
• Fully covered with their own liability insurances

Let Cafe2U take the stress out of your next event and provide an easy event catering solution that suits your needs. Just some of the events that Cafe2U franchisees have been involved in this year include Trent Valley Mini Owners Club Show, Greencore corporate fun day, The Northallerton Festival, National museum of flight Airshow in Scotland (pictured), Tall Ships at Hull Marina, Foxtons Management meeting in London, Kona Cheddar BikeFest. Plan your event now.

More events for Cafe2U

Graham Lickfold, Cafe2U Cheltenham has attended the Merdia Bike Marathan series in Wales for the third year running. Cafe2U were able to ensure that the very best in gourmet espresso coffee was available to not just the watching public, but the cyclists looking for that extra caffeine shot across the country at two other events in Selkirk and Cumbria, which were attended by Laurie Lee Cafe2U Edinburgh Park/South Gyle and Lee Rogers Cafe2U Denton/Bredbury Graham has also attended the Bristol and Cheddar Bikefest. If you would like more information about these events please visit www.mtb-marathon.co.uk.

Cafe2U franchisees have also recently attended the mini monster series of events around the UK, the London Night Hike event in aid of Maggies cancer charity and the Rate Race adventure events around the country. Are you looking for the ultimate in gourmet espresso coffee at your event? Let Cafe2U help plan your all your coffee needs. Plan your event now.

Cafe2U moves to the greenest office building in the UK!

The Cafe2U Head Office is now located in the UK’s greenest building – the Innovate building. The Innovate Building is a landmark development at the cutting edge of commercially viable & sustainable building. Operating from the Innovate building means that Cafe2U will significantly reduce the impact that our business has on the environment.

The construction techniques and ongoing management policy for the Innovate building has allowed for:

• Recycled products used in the building construction of over 25%.
• Significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions that surpass current government targets.
• Significant reductions in average water consumption per person, per year.
• Overall enhancements to the ecological aspects of the office and its grounds.

For over a decade, BRE's Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) has been used to assess the environmental performance of both new and existing buildings. It is regarded by the UK's construction and property sectors as the measure of best practice in environmental design and management. Visit www.breeam.org for further information.
Innovate Office Leeds rated 87.55% - the highest ever given to a building of any kind in the UK.

Cafe2U appears on the BBC's Working Lunch

Joining a franchise can often be seen as a quick way to setting up on your own. You get a ready made business and the backing of an already established company. But how much does it cost? And how does it work? Working Lunch the highly respected daytime business programme sent their reporter Rob out to visit new Cafe2U franchisee Theresa Woods. Rob was able to speak with both franchisor and franchisee Theresa out on her steadily growing and already successful round to hear both sides of the equation. Watch Rob's report right here

Cafe2U Franchisee Theresa Woods

Please note within the report there is a slight factual error that refers to a monthly franchise fee, this should have actually been noted as weekly. This does not affect any of the stated headline figures that were all correct. Would you like to understand how the Cafe2U business model works? Would you like to be rewarded for working hard? Would you like to change your destiny and work for yourself? Could you see yourself running a Cafe2U like Theresa? Take the short time to contact us today for more information about Cafe2U.

Another Espresso Delivery from Mercedes Vito