Member Article

New data shows Yorkshire and the Humber is ‘hot spot’ for coffee shop sales

Research by business broker Hilton Smythe reveals that Yorkshire and the Humber is the most popular region in the UK to buy a café, tearoom, or coffee shop.

The figures, gathered by the firm over the last twelve months, found that 25% of cafés, tearooms and coffee shops sold within the UK were in the region, followed by the West Midlands, with 16%.

The eateries were also leading the way as the bestselling type of business, accounting for 28% of all businesses sold in the region during the last three years. Food venues have proved popular in the area, as sandwich shops, fish and chip shops and restaurants all feature in the top five businesses to buy.

Cafés recently sold by Hilton Smythe in Yorkshire and the Humber include Brew Tea Rooms, Leeds, Tea @ Thyme, Bridlington and, AJ’s, Withernsea.

Gareth Smyth, Group Managing Director at Hilton Smythe, said: “We are seeing a significant increase at the moment in people buying cafés, tearooms and coffee shops, with Yorkshire and the Humber leading the way. These types of businesses tend to thrive even in times of recession, because people always like to treat themselves to a good cup of coffee and a slice of cake.

“Our figures show that people in the region are keen to flex their culinary muscles and try their hand at joining the food industry. By buying a previously established business, they can pick up with an existing customer base and way of working, and this can provide an easier foundation for a budding entrepreneur than starting from scratch.”

Gareth added: “Cafés, coffee shops and tea rooms are a popular choice of business for those looking for an investment towards the end of their career but before they are ready to retire. It can provide an income, while not being too stressful, which is a great compromise for some older business owners.

“Yorkshire is famous for its fantastic food, including Parkin, Wensleydale Cheese, and, of course, Yorkshire Puddings. It is no wonder then, that people in the region are buying cafés, tearooms and coffee shops more than any other business. It’s one of the best places in the UK for iconic treats.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rosie Earl .