Cafe2U Recaps Annual Conference for Readers

The thriving coffee van franchise recently recapped its 2022 annual conference, which was held at The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare, over on the Cafe2U blog.

Cafe2U reported that this exciting conference event was held on Saturday 15th January at The Grand Pier, and was “attended by more than 60 of our 90 franchisees, as well as business partners and suppliers, including food products specialist Devonvale and van fit-out masters Dack Motor Group”. The day began with a speech from CEO Martyn Ward that set out the coffee van franchise’s aims for 2022.

Martyn said, “Since we last met at our conference in February 2020, a lot has happened. When I stood in front of you in London that day, none of us knew what was about to come in the days and months ahead. But here we are, in what for many is still a very challenging time. Firstly, looking around the room, the biggest thing that strikes me is the sheer number of winners we have here, those who have faced adversity and challenges of their own and worked hard to ensure that their business remains ready to serve as we start 2022.”

Martyn continued, “And that’s why there won’t be a single powerpoint presentation in sight today! We are focussing on reconnecting, re-energising and having fun. So speak to your suppliers, talk to other members of the team and, of course, network with fellow franchise partners, but most of all enjoy yourself!"

In the afternoon, Cafe2U franchisees and other people in attendance had the exciting chance to check out one of the company’s new electric, emissions-free vans. In the words of Cafe2U, “The electric vans are the first of their kind anywhere in the world and are a testament to Cafe2U’s sustainable approach to business, which we intend to expand upon in 2022 and beyond.” Sessions with head office about any number of different topics were also available to franchisees, and conversations with suppliers were welcomed.

Most of all, Cafe2U wanted everyone to have fun: “Our main focus was on ensuring our franchise partners had fun, with many of them heading to the Pier’s arcade armed with bags of 2ps that were provided in their welcome packs. There was even a Fastest Barista competition with a twist, with attendees going head to head in a virtual F1 simulator battle!”

The day ended with an awards ceremony, “which saw prizes handed out to the company’s rising stars, best baristas, best new franchisees and most improved performers”. The final award, for Franchise Partner of the Year, was won by Eric Draper of Cafe2U Manchester South West, who was “commended for the record breaking sales he had consistently achieved”. If you’d like to be at Cafe2U’s next fun-packed conference in 2023, find out more about starting your franchising journey with the brand via its profile page, linked above.