Forge Coffee, a beloved independent coffee business, has opened its third location in West Northamptonshire with the help of a grant from West Northants Council.
Already established in Culworth and Evenley, Forge Coffee now has a site at Whittlebury Park Estate, having taken over the farm shop and cafe which had previously been closed. The new venture also sees the company producing food on-site and continuing its tradition of community-focused service.
With a £10,338.60 Rural Business Grant from West Northants Council as part of the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the company has created a vibrant community hub, boosted local employment, and increased income for local suppliers. The grant was crucial in covering capital costs, particularly for new kitchen and front-of-house machinery, while the new site enables Forge Coffee to reach a broader audience while maintaining its strong Northamptonshire roots.
The expansion to Whittlebury Park Estate has created 7.5 full-time equivalent jobs, including roles for chefs, baristas, kitchen porters, and waiting staff. This growth not only provides new employment opportunities but also supports local businesses within the supply chain, such as dairies, bakers, and farm produce suppliers.
Forge Coffee's expansion represents a strategic move to enhance its business operations and community presence. The new location serves as a gathering place for residents and visitors, fostering social connections and reducing rural isolation. The project aligns with Forge Coffee's commitment to environmental sustainability by minimising food miles and supporting local suppliers, while also helping the company to grow, innovate, and bring people together over a shared love of great coffee and local produce.
William Dallimore, the Rural Business Support Manager at Ngage Solutions who supported Forge Coffee to access the grant, describes the company as “a fantastic example of the significant benefits financial support like the Rural England Prosperity Fund, delivered through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, can produce. While the direct employment created is immensely valuable to the rural economy and those individuals employed, the ripple effects extend far beyond, bringing advantages to numerous other businesses within the supply chain."
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