We can't do without a nice cuppa

By HELEN LOVELESS, MAIL ON SUNDAY ENTERPRISE EDITOR
Updated:

A cup of tea has long been the nation's favourite drink, but it could also prove to be a recession-proof business venture.

Though many people are cutting back their spending on luxuries, tea and cake are still on the menu.

According to research by Nectar Business into people's business dreams, one in ten want to open a tea or coffee shop, overtaking the traditionally more popular plan of running a pub or restaurant.

darren and nicki betts

Thriving: Darren and Nicki Betts

Darren Betts and his wife Nicki, both 39, opened a tea shop in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, after he was made redundant from his sales job in Birmingham in 2007.

'I always loved the idea of running a sociable, friendly tea shop, which was part of the community,' he says. 'It is also a world away from my previous job, which was very stressful, and it allows me to lead a more flexible lifestyle and see more of my family.'

Despite the recession, Darren has seen sales rise 30 per cent year on year. 'Sadly, some of our customers have lost their jobs, but they still come in for small, affordable treats, such as tea or coffee and cake,' he says. 'To some extent we feel protected from the recession because we're cheap, but also because a good cup of tea is one of life's essentials.'

Other popular business dreams included setting up an internet company - top of the list for 13 per cent of those questioned, while five per cent had plans to buy a B&B.

The research was commissioned to launch the first Nectar Small Business awards, which aim to reward the best practice and outstanding achievements of SMEs.

For more details, log on to nectar.com/business.

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