Artisan coffee firm Grindsmith creates 11 jobs with new ‘hybrid’ venue at MediaCityUK

Artisan coffee business Grindsmith has expanded with a third site at MediaCityUK, creating 11 new full-time jobs.

The company, which first started trading from a mobile cart in 2013, has set up shop at the Greater Manchester development with the help of a £65k loan from Business Finance Solutions (BFS).

Joining two existing operations in Manchester, Grindsmith’s new outlet at MediaCityUK is the firm’s first hybrid venue, transforming from a coffee shop during the day to a bar in the evening.

After initially operating from a coffee cart, Grindsmith invested in its first permanent setting with BFS support in Manchester’s Greengate Square and a second unit within Rise Manchester on Deansgate.

Today, Grindsmith employs 25 people and is run by directors Luke Tomlinson and Peter Gibson.

Peter said: “Business Finance Solutions has played a key role in the evolution and growth of Grindsmith, fuelled by their belief in our proposition and eco ethos from the word go.

Their loan enabled us to move into our first permanent premises last year, the success of which has enabled us to expand into our second and now third premises.“

He added: “We are also looking at further expansion within GM and possibly into London within the next few years”

Commenting on the Grindsmith’s growth, Luke said: “We have created a concept that gives our customers a space to meet, a place to work, and a location to take joy in coffee and, by focusing on quality and delivery, we aim to be the coffee destination of choice for our community.

“BFS has always recognised the value of that and it has been great to work with their team again to bring our distinctive coffee and dining experience to a wider audience in MediaCityUK.”

BFS forms part of the Manchester Growth Company (MGC), which works to boost Greater Manchester’s economic prosperity by supporting businesses based in the region.

MGC chief executive Mark Hughes commented: “Greater Manchester has a great track record of nurturing and supporting businesses that deliver a really great product and that is exactly what has happened to Grindsmith.

“Peter, Luke and their team have invested an enormous amount of passion and energy into creating a truly authentic experience and it is great to see BFS play such a big part in supporting them with the finance and business advice they needed to take them to each stage of their journey.”

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