Future growth looks smoother for Kudos Coffee

Rob Good has no bitter regrets since leaving a successful career in banking to start a thriving coffee shop business in Hampshire.

He set up Kudos Coffee with his wife Jenni in 2017, first opening a shop in Whitchurch, followed by one in Stockbridge.

This was just the start for the husband-and-wife team as they have long term plans to open up to ten coffee shops over the next ten years.

However, Rob was keen to receive some impartial and objective advice to sanity check the couple’s plans, which led him to approach the EM3 Growth Hub, through EM3 Growth Champion Paul Scott.

Rob said: “I initially met Paul through a networking event where he gave me an idea of how the Growth Hub can help benefit my business.”

“I thought it would be good to have someone looking in from outside the business to give me guidance and a focus on what to concentrate on, and help me build a business strategy.”

During a more in-depth meeting, Paul was able to get a better understanding of Rob and Jenni’s growth plans. This involved completing a GROWTHmapper report that looked at where the business was at that time and to help assess where there were any gaps to meet the overall growth plan.

“Completing the GROWTHmapper report with Paul was definitely very helpful, giving us a very clear picture of our needs. It certainly reinforced some of the areas where we need to build on.”

At around this time Rob was just about to take on a lease for another property in Whitchurch, to provide more warehouse space and diversity with the opening of a homeware and provisions shop called Kudos Living.

Rob was then introduced to one of EM3’s expert Growth Associates Mike O’Dwyer, who proved to be a great sounding board and was able to add ideas and suggestions and share his experience in the sector, while providing a clear framework to meet the business’s expansion plans.

Commenting on his experience with the EM3 Growth Hub, Rob said: “It’s been fantastic. Paul was great in focusing my needs and Mike shared his wealth of knowledge and experience and has had a great and positive impact on the business.”

EM3 Growth Champion Paul Scott said: “Rob and Jenni have some exciting and achievable plans for Kudos Coffee. Together they have created a well-run business and a highly successful brand in Whitchurch and Stockbridge. I’m so pleased the EM3 Growth Hub has played a role in helping to focus and shape their plans, by offering impartial advice and guidance.

“We’re keen to support businesses like Kudos Coffee with our fully funded one-to-one support, to reach their full potential, creating jobs and helping to boost the local economy.”

To find out how the EM3 Growth Hub can help your business grow, email paul.scott@enterprisem3growthhub.co.uk