Zoë Watts, managing director of Bennett Hay, said: “We were blown away with SEND Coffee and everything they stand for. We are actively sourcing a responsible and ethical supply chain and coffee was a big area of focus for us due to the volumes we are serving across our sites.
“Not only are the beans better for business, the training and development of people is phenomenal, and we want to shine a big light on disability and neurodiversity and celebrate inclusivity in the hospitality sector.
“The partnership with the non-profit underlines Bennett Hay’s commitment to being a conscious business and to securing a responsible supply chain.
“Each person is given customised training framed on the Speciality Coffee Association’s Certification, and once people are coffee-confident they work on site with a mentor for a full year before a full-time employment opportunity is secured.”
Bennett Hay will be joining a likeminded community of cafés and workplaces who use SEND’s coffee beans as their house blend. SEND’s beans are sourced in small batches direct from farmers, and as part of a registered charity all profits made from the sales of the beans are used to train, support and mentor future barista talent.
Zoë Watts added: “As the relationship develops, Bennett Hay is looking to create barista opportunities in its prestigious workplace sites.
“The coffee break has a heightened significance in the workplace as teams actively make time to congregate together to interact and engage.
“We have seen an increase in demand for coffee by employees before they take to their desks at the start of the day along with a marked call for coffees and hot beverages as part of the traditional Elevenses.”