Esquires Coffee Coventry wins financial support

Esquires Coffee Coventry has been granted financial support through the Culture Recovery Fund.

The scheme, led by Arts Council England, was launched to provide funds for both profit and not-for-profit cultural organisations across England. It’s committed to providing £250 million in grants and organisations can win between £25,000 and £3 million each.

Steve Prime, Director at Esquires Coffee’s Coventry branch, has celebrated being awarded £78,000.

Based in Millennium Place, Steve’s cafe franchise business has been at the heart of the city’s community for over 12 years. Since it launched, it’s hosted many local events, including the Coventry Jazz Festival and Fairtrade School lessons. Before the pandemic struck, it was performing well, and even celebrated its most successful year, but it has struggled over the past year.

Steve said, “I won’t pretend that I haven’t had some very dark moments over the past months, as I’ve tried to fathom how we could come back from everything post-Covid. This past 12 months has easily been the worst in our 12-year trading history.”

He explained how the business will benefit from the financial support:

“My goal in applying for the ACE funding was to shore up the finances of the business, so we could rebuild and restore Esquires to its place at the heart of the community. In doing so, we can continue to support other local organisations, as well as provide Coventrians with more amazing cultural events.”

He added, “The team have all been absolutely fantastic and so understanding throughout, so it’s a joy to be able to share such amazing news with them. I can’t wait to bring our plans to life.”

According to the Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, Esquires Coffee Coventry is just one of the thousands of organisations the Culture Recovery Fund has already supported across the country. He said, “Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors – helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”