Coffee Republic signs Dorset franchise deal as finance director quits

Coffee Republic has reached an agreement with CR Dorset granting the retailer the exclusive development franchise for the South-coast territory.

CR Dorset was formed by directors Marc Levy, Gavin Wilke, John Meara and Paul Pestana for the specific purposes of the licensing deal.

Coffee Republic chief executive Steve Bartlett said: "We have been impressed by the enthusiasm and drive demonstrated by the CR Dorset team and are very excited to be working with them in furthering the company's expansion into this new region for us."

Since ousting boss and co-founder of Coffee Republic Bobby Hashemi last October, the newly installed leadership team at the company led by Bartlett has been busy repositioning the company for growth through franchising.

Simon Drysdale, finance director at Coffee Republic, is to quit his role from 31 July. The company's financial controller Roy Balint-Kurti has been promoted to head of finance and, whilst not a board appointment, will be acting director of finance. Drysdale, who has been with the company for four years, is leaving to join a new restaurant business.

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By Chris Druce

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