Bob & Berts, the Northern Ireland-based, coffee shop chain, which is backed by the Business Growth Fund (BGF), is set to begin its expansion play in Scotland, with an opening in Falkirk in September, as part of plans to open seven sites north of the border.
The group, which operates 15 sites in Northern Ireland, has already secured sites on the High Streets of Falkirk, Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy. It is thought that further sites in Kilmarnock, Dumfries and Stirling are also set to come online over the next 12 months.
It is thought that if successful the launch in Scotland will subsequently lead to the company looking at opportunities in the north of England.
At the same time, the business, which is chaired by former Tragus chief financial officer Mohan Mansigani, has appointed Claire Palmer, formerly of Argento and Beannchor, as its new finance director.
Palmer takes over from Simon McKenna, also formerly of jewellery chain Argento.
In August last year, Bob & Berts announced it was to open 30 stores across the north, Republic of Ireland and Scotland in the next four years having secured £2m from the BGF.
Bob & Berts was founded in Portstewart by Colin McClean, his father Arnold and brother-in-law David Ferguson.
