Largest barista training centre to launch outside London

The new centre, to be located at Cooper's headquarters in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, will take up over 1,000 square feet and will be equipped with a range of Dalla Corte espresso machines. It will also include a Dalla Corte raised body machine for 20oz cups, along with the complete range of Mahlkőnig and Dalla Corte grinders. A new warehouse will also be built on the site to provide more than 2,500 square feet of additional storage space for coffee. Other highlights of the new centre include a picnic area for staff and visitors, a 360 degree training bar, video playback facilities, as well as a new car park that will provide over 40 parking spaces for customers and staff. The first phase of expansion will begin at the end of June, with the final phase expected to be completed by the end of September. David Cooper, managing director, commented on the expansion: "We've always had the vision to expand Cooper's substantially and have spent £350,000 over the past three years buying land surrounding our existing warehouse to make this vision become a reality." Sales for Cooper's have risen by 15% so far this year, while sister business, Dalla Corte, has achieved a 35% hike. Weblink: www.cooperscoffee.co.uk