BrewRound is a start-up e-commerce business established by co-founders Christopher Bowling and Jordan Newton, who’ve been developing an app for “click & collect” coffee since autumn 2019. The app, which aims to support independent coffee shops and offer easy way for customers to purchase brews from their favourite coffee shops, will launch in November this year.
The idea for the app came from the founders’ personal experience – often travelling for work pre-covid, they’ve noticed the tendency to purchase coffee from well-known chain brands like Starbucks and Costa due to the convenience offered by the brands’ app that allowed pre-ordering and picking-up drinks. They wanted to help independent coffee shops to not be left behind, by bringing the technology to them.
The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the development of the app, and although it brought challenges in the form of establishing the contact with independent coffee shop owners, it has also put a spotlight on the need to support those local businesses.
Chris and Jordan have recently been introduced to Simon Middleton, Business Growth Manager at Make It York, who has invited them to join the York Professionals networking group, helping to establish new contacts among the York’s business community. Simon has also directed them to the available funding and grant opportunities and has made an introduction to the Business Editor at York Press. This will help BrewRound with the coming launch of the app – to spread the news and get more independent coffee shops on board with the initiative.
Chris Bowling, co-founder of BrewRound, said: “I believe there is never the “best” time to start a new business – there will always be opportunities as well as challenges. With my background is in e-commerce and digital marketing, and my love for independent coffee shops, I wanted to offer independent cafes a virtual shopfront that will help them compete with large chain brands by bringing in new customers and keeping them loyal.”
Jordan Newton, co-founder of BrewRound, added: “Networking is the most useful and successful way of meeting new people and establishing business connections. Simon Middleton was incredibly helpful in making introductions for us to York’s business community. Virtual networking that became a ‘new normal’ in the time of pandemic, has made it more accessible – many networking groups have opened up connecting people from everywhere in the country. This is very helpful for us, as the BrewRound app will be available UK-wide and after initial launch in York, we aim to expand nationally.”
In this fast-changing environment, BrewRound believe the next step for coffee is technology. Easy and simple ordering, discovery of great new coffee shops, united rewards system – all of which to be conveniently available wherever you are. The BrewRound app is due to launch early November.
To find out more about BrewRound visit brewround.com.
