Argyll & Bute coffee roasting business expands its offering

About the business

Argyll Coffee Roasters was founded in 2018 by coffee enthusiast Eve McFarlane. It sources the finest beans from around the world – placing an emphasis on ethically-sourced, speciality grade beans - and roasts them by hand at its roastery in Tighnabruaich.    

Selling through local stockists, its website and ‘Roast and Post’ coffee subscription service, the business also recently opened the Coffee Bar at the Hayshed Gallery, a few miles from the roastery.    

How Business Gateway has helped

Owner Eve, who moved from Bristol to Argyll over 10 years ago, was passionate about the thriving local food and drink producers and saw an opportunity to bring her coffee knowledge and interest to the area. She approached Business Gateway as the business started and received 1:1 advice from a local business adviser.   

Since then, she has received additional support including a grant from the Local Growth Accelerator Programme. The funding enabled her to complete barista training and purchase equipment including a commercial coffee machine for her coffee unit.  

The coffee unit provides an opportunity to sell and promote Argyll Coffee Roasters’ speciality coffee range and coffee kits while collaborating with other local businesses to sell baked goods.  

Eve has also received specialist advice on recruitment as she took on three new permanent members of staff and recently completed an intensive programme of growth support with Business Gateway. 

Eve McFarlane, Founder, Argyll Coffee Roasters, said: “I really enjoy a well-brewed coffee and have always wanted to bring something to my Argyll community that provides them with the opportunity to explore the amazing coffee on offer from around the world. The advice and support I’ve received from Business Gateway has been fantastic; from initial start-up advice, to signposting on funding and additional qualifications that have made my dream come true.”