Coffee brand opens fifth branch at intu Derby

An independent brunch and coffee brand has opened a new branch at intu Derby – the company’s fifth since its inception.

BEAR has secured an increased funding facility from HSBC UK to open the new premises, which is its first within a purpose-built retail destination.

The company is planning to open up to 30 outlets in the next five years. It currently has branches in Soho, Derby, Stone in Staffordshire and Uttoxeter, where it began trading in 2016.

Craig Bunting, co-founder of BEAR, said: “Our aim is to quickly become a cornerstone business on the high street and wholly integrate ourselves into the communities surrounding our stores. The site at intu Derby is our first within a purpose-built retail destination. It’s a big move for us which will help us to tap into the high footfall at the intu centre, share our BEAR vision with more people and give us the potential to explore international opportunities.

“We’ve worked with HSBC UK since we opened our first business bank account in 2015. Our relationship manager, Daniel Williams, has made the whole process really smooth and we’re delighted the bank has continued its support of the business.”

Mark Lupton, HSBC UK’s area director for business banking in the Midlands, added: “BEAR has become an established name in the Midlands and the new site in a key retail destination represents a significant step forward for the business. Supporting entrepreneurs and helping to foster start-ups is a key priority for HSBC UK, which is why we’re looking forward to continuing to support Craig, Michael, Chris and the team at BEAR with their ambitious plans to open additional outlets and also to grow BEAR in to a global challenger brand.”