Costa Drives Custom at Plymouth Golf Centre
Ignition, a leading provider of asset finance for SMEs, has helped Plymouth Golf Centre finance the opening of a brand-new, on-site Costa Coffee. The new 40-seater franchise café offers handcrafted Costa coffee, teas, shakes and cakes, along with M&S sandwiches, soups, pastas and paninis, and is proving a welcome addition to the centre for golfers and visitors alike.
Ignition arranged an asset finance package to help the Golf Centre fund initial outlays on specialist coffee machines, kitchen equipment, air conditioning, general fit-out and a new patio area. As part of the hire purchase agreement, payment for equipment is spread into manageable monthly repayments, avoiding hefty upfront costs.
The café, which opened its doors at the beginning of the year, has created nine new jobs and is already proving a resounding success, contributing to record profits for the Golf Centre during its first month.
Director, Jonathan Philpotts, comments:
“When Plymouth Golf Centre was established 17 years ago, our customers’ refreshment needs were served by a few vending machines. Our golfing offer has come such a long way over the years, with the centre now offering 33 driving bays featuring the latest TrackMan tracking technology in each, alongside a footgolf course, academies for both adults and juniors, and an American Golf superstore. With so many more customers visiting the centre, we felt that the provision of a good quality, modern café would help to improve their experience, offering facilities that are expected in this day and age.
“In fact, we have created such a welcoming environment, that it’s drawing in members of the general public in addition to golfers, which in turn is having a positive impact on golf bookings too. It seems once people enjoy a coffee here and see our excellent facilities, they are also tempted to give the golf a try!”
Plymouth Golf Centre’s hi-tech facilities and new café have proved so popular that the car park has now been extended to accommodate 100 cars. An outside patio area has been added which catches the sun all day and provides seating for a further 35 customers.
Jonathan Phillpotts continues:
“Just as we hoped, the new café is a real asset to the Golf Centre, and we’re grateful to Ignition for helping our vision become a reality. The Ignition team offered a swift and efficient service from the outset, and also provided that important personal touch, taking the time to understand our business and our specific needs.”
Nicola Hambly, Associate Director at Ignition, comments:
“It has been wonderful to see the new Costa café take shape; and to see business at the Golf Centre booming as a result. Jonathan and his team have created a very special facility here which is equally welcoming whether you’re an elite golfer or a complete beginner. The café adds an extra dimension, with high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable seating and great views over the range, as well as an option to order from the bays and have food delivered while you play. It’s been a pleasure to support this new venture and to see it flourish."
