A Bristol-based couple have scooped a prestigious national award for the second year in a row after being crowned UK Franchisees of the Year by Costa Coffee.
Stuart and Lynn Montgomery, whom manage South West Coffee, which operates Costa Coffee shops in Henleaze, Bristol and Portishead, were named best franchise in the country by the UK’s favourite national coffee shop chain.
Stuart, who lives with Lynn in Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol said it was their unique approach of a personal and family-oriented style of doing business which has captured the hearts of their customers.
He said: “Our customers come for the wonderful coffee the relaxing and unrushed atmosphere and most of the all friendly and considerate staff. We always try to remember names and choice of drinks of our regular customers, really giving the personal touch. Swift and stress-free service is our number one priority and ensuring each customer is served a wonderful coffee or tea is essential.
“We are thrilled to have won the Franchisee of the Year award for the second year running. It’s a great feeling to know that all our hard work in Bristol is paying off. We put a lot of time and energy into making our shops a success and most importantly a part of the local community.”
Stuart and Lynn met in Thailand where Stuart lived and worked for 10 years opening a dozen franchise businesses employing more than 400 people.
Returning to the UK they continued to run major franchise businesses and now hold the franchise from Costa Coffee for Bristol and the South West.
Stuart said: “When deciding to become franchisees we looked carefully at what the brand was about before jumping in. The considerate nature of the company was what hooked us and we’ve never looked back since.
“Running a franchise business is all down to the quality of the staff you have and this is a fantastic award for everyone that works with us.
“At the heart of Costa Coffee are the baristas, who hand-make the drinks that we serve. We have some great baristas in this area and we are aiming to train more as we expand the business.”
Stuart, an ex-British Army Junior Leader (Royal Engineers), is also kept busy helping to inspire other young entrepreneurs as a member of the Princes Trust South West Leadership Group, helping disadvantaged people into employment and business.
Stuart continued: “This is a great achievement for all our staff and one which we are immensely proud of. We now look forward to continuing to offer great service and fantastic venues in Bristol.”
Winning the Franchisee of the Year Award is a major achievement for a young business that was competing against major Costa Coffee franchise chains in London and throughout the country.
