A COFFEE roastery on the Isle of Mull is thriving just two years after launch, having secured new premises, expanded its wholesale customer base, and invested in sustainable equipment with support from Business Gateway.
Founded in March 2023 by Susanne Stanhope and Nicky Sturrock, Isle of Mull Coffee Roastery Ltd began supplying ethically sourced coffee to local cafés. Since then, the business has expanded across Scotland and beyond, with new wholesale partnerships and a growing reputation for quality and sustainability.
Sustainability is at the heart of the roastery. All beans are ethically sourced, with organic and project coffees
prioritised. Coffee grounds and chaff are recycled for local gardens, and solar panels now cover 90% of the business’s energy use.
The company recently moved into new premises, now fully operational and producing coffee using beans from Mexico, Papua New Guinea, India, and Kenya. Plans are also underway to open the roastery to the public for educational visits.
Support from Business Gateway included one-to-one advice, access to expert consultancy, and guidance on funding opportunities. A Small Business Development Grant, Training Grant and Trade Fair Grant enabled investment in specialist equipment and event attendance. The business also joined Business Gateway’s Intensive Growth Programme, strengthening its strategy and financial planning.
With sales ahead of projections, new wholesale customers approaching
directly and staff recruitment on the horizon, Isle of Mull Coffee Roastery continues to build on its early success.
Susanne Stanhope and Nicky Sturrock, founders of Isle of Mull Coffee, said: “Business Gateway has been instrumental in helping us grow from a small island start-up into a business with real momentum. The support and advice gave us the confidence to scale up, while funding enabled us to invest in the future. It’s exciting to see sustainable growth happening right here on Mull.”
Business Gateway adviser John MacDonald added: “Nicky and Susanne have shown fantastic drive and vision in building Isle of Mull Coffee Roastery into a thriving brand in such a short time. This is a great example of how island- based businesses can grow sustainably and think beyond seasonal demand.”
To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit https://bgateway.com.
