International coffee brand set to launch in Coalville

International coffee franchise Insomnia Coffee is set to launch this weekend as a local entrepreneur opens its doors in Coalville.

The coffee shop, located on New Broadway near the Belvoir Shopping Centre, is the second franchise location for serial entrepreneurs Raj Aggarwal and his wife Sunita with their first Insomnia Coffee opening in Market Harborough more than two years ago.

Aggarwal said: “We are thrilled to be having an official launch as we have been open for a couple of months now but we want to officially celebrate moving into town. We chose Coalville because we think it has a lot of potential – the local council is really investing in the area and we wanted to offer something that people can be proud of.

“Coalville has a rich history and we wanted to reflect that within the coffee house so we have big vinyl of the town’s mining history and artefacts from the local area. We’ve also employed around 12 staff who are from the surrounding area as we really want to keep it local and help regenerate the town.

“This is our second Insomnia Coffee location and thankfully North West Leicestershire District Council and Enterprise Loans both saw our plan and felt that not only are we creating jobs but also creating a beautiful environment of the people of Coalville to enjoy.”

Insomnia Coffee is an international coffee shop franchise which began in Ireland in 1997 and now has more than 150 locations across the UK and Ireland. Franchisee’s have to pay a small royalty fee but the coffee shops are largely run independently.

Enterprise Loans – a responsible loan provider operating across the East and South East Midlands – provided £100,000 in funding which, along with a grant from North West Leicestershire District Council and the couple’s own capital, helped set up the coffee house ready for trading.

Neil Millington, loan fund manager at Enterprise Loans, said: “We were delighted to support Raj and Sunita with their latest venture particularly as their business plan was very solid. They are genuine independent entrepreneurs and offering something different from the standard high street chains.

“Coalville is very well suited for independent shops and cafes so the launch event will certainly help cement their place in the town. I have every faith that Insomnia Coffee will become somewhat of an anchor store, pulling in customers and helping to rejuvenate the rest of the high street.”