Support:
- Grant application review
- Strategic advice
- Advice on technical grant terminology
Impact:
- Secured £250k grant towards a £500k project
- Installation of new production line
- Expedited NPD launch cycle
- Increased Productivity
- Creation and safeguarding of jobs
Summary
Origin Coffee Ltd partnered with the Access to Finance+ (A2F+) team, delivered by Oxford Innovation Advice to secure essential investment for expanding their Cornwall-based manufacturing business. Drawing on unrivalled understanding of the challenges faced by ambitious SME leaders, the local A2F+ team provided targeted guidance, strategic insights and a strengthened grant submission.
This support enabled Origin to unlock significant funding for a new Cold Brew and Capsule production line, demonstrating how specialist business expertise accelerates growth and how SME support leveraging regional strengths can deliver wider regional aspirations for Cornwall’s manufacturing sector.
Company Background
Origin Coffee Ltd is a leading speciality coffee roaster founded in Cornwall and recognised for its dedication to quality, traceability and sustainable sourcing. Over time, the business has evolved from a small roastery into a multi-site manufacturing and distribution operation, while maintaining strong ties to local communities and supply chains.
As the business diversified into new product formats, Origin’s Porthleven site became central to delivering innovation in manufacturing. Their ambition to develop Cold Brew and Capsule production reflects their ongoing commitment to growth, supported by responsible practices and a desire to create positive impact for both the environment and local communities.
Company Background
Origin Coffee Ltd is a leading speciality coffee roaster founded in Cornwall and recognised for its dedication to quality, traceability and sustainable sourcing. Over time, the business has evolved from a small roastery into a multi-site manufacturing and distribution operation, while maintaining strong ties to local communities and supply chains.
As the business diversified into new product formats, Origin’s Porthleven site became central to delivering innovation in manufacturing. Their ambition to develop Cold Brew and Capsule production reflects their ongoing commitment to growth, supported by responsible practices and a desire to create positive impact for both the environment and local communities.
The Challenge
When Cornwall Council launched a major capital grant funding competition in late 2024, Origin identified a strategic opportunity to expand production capabilities.
However, the team needed expert support to navigate the complexities of the funding process and ensure their submission fully aligned with regional objectives. They sought guidance that went beyond form-filling. Expertise grounded in deep insight into the challenges SMEs face when scaling, investing and innovating simultaneously.
Origin approached A2F+ to strengthen their application, validate terminology, and enhance the strategic framing of their proposal to ensure a compelling case for investment.
The Solution
The A2F+ team brought exceptional specialist expertise, underpinned by an ability to design innovative solutions that leverage exceptional people, technology and data insights.
Working collaboratively with Head of Projects, Tim Salmon, the team provided:
- A detailed review of the draft grant funding application, ensuring strong alignment with UK SPF and Cornwall Council priorities.
- Clear, strategic recommendations to improve structure, evidence and narrative cohesion.
- Guidance on articulating the project’s environmental and community benefits, reflecting Origin’s dedication to responsible, sustainable growth.
- Additional insight to demonstrate the project’s contribution to the region’s manufacturing capability and local supply chain resilience.
This structured approach allowed Origin to present an application that not only met the technical expectations of the fund but powerfully demonstrated the project’s strategic value to Cornwall.
The Benefits
Through the strengthened submission, Origin successfully secured:
- A £250,000 grant towards a wider £500,000 investment.
- A new Cold Brew and Capsule production line to diversify and scale manufacturing.
- Improved productivity and increased operational resilience in their Cornwall facility.
- Greater regional economic benefit, including safeguarding and recruiting new jobs over the next five years.
- Enhanced local sourcing, strengthening local supplier relationships and reducing wider environmental impact.
Origin confirmed that the Access to Finance+ support fundamentally elevated the quality and impact of their submission. The result showcases how specialist business expertise accelerates the growth of ambitious SMEs, and how targeted interventions can help local manufacturers contribute meaningfully to regional aspirations.
The Future
With major funding secured, Origin is now progressing confidently into the next phase of its expansion journey. The project will enable the business to:
- Enter new product categories and reach wider markets.
- Increase throughput and manufacturing flexibility.
- Continue adopting sustainable production practices.
- Strengthen its role within Cornwall’s economy and community ecosystem.
This project exemplifies how SME support, when informed by regional strengths and ambitions, can unlock long-term, sustainable growth.