Penny Manuel is to step down as MD of Soho Coffee Co. at the end of this month.
Having acquired Soho with her business partner, Chris Copner, in 2006, the brand has grown from a four-store business in the southwest to a collection of some 40+ directly owned and franchised stores, with an international footprint and a turnover of £36m.
The company remains privately owned having secured Qatari investment in 2015. The first high street chain to offer triple-certified coffee, Soho differentiated itself from the larger coffee brands through its focus on handmade fresh food with a strong emphasis on ‘real’ hot food for every daypart.
She moves to the position of advisor to the UK group board, supporting the transition and next phase of growth.
Manuel said: ”I am extremely proud of what my energetic and enthusiastic team have achieved – their openness, trust and pride have and continue to inspire me. Resilience and continued investment in innovation over a tricky three years ensures SOHO still has wings and is poised for growth under new leadership.”
She added she was specially proud to have lead a business with a positive gender gap and a ‘cardboard to coats’ sustainability initiative supporting underprivileged primary school children.
