Ptarmigan Bell Pottinger create perfect PR blend for Just Coffee People

Leeds based not-for-profit coffee manufacturer and wholesaler, Just Coffee People, has appointed Ptarmigan Bell Pottinger to help raise its profile with business audiences throughout the region.

Just Coffee People was set up in 2005 as a subsidiary of People Matters, a local voluntary sector organisation that develops inclusive communities through leisure, learning and employment, providing the next step for people in the community. The firm offers training, work experience and employment for people with a wide range of physical and learning disabilities.

“We face some generic and some specific communications challenges that Ptarmigan Bell Pottinger will help us address,” comments Beth Charnock, Manager, Just Coffee People. “We need a higher profile to support sales, but we also need to combat some prejudices. Potential customers can sometimes assume that because we employ people with physical and learning disabilities our products and services suffer as a result. This, frankly, is rubbish. It’s fair to say that we need to employ more people to get the same job done, but that’s precisely what we’re here to do. Our commitment to quality and our corporate ethos go hand in hand.”

Just Coffee People is the only specialist Fairtrade merchant in Leeds selling own-brand coffee, tea, hot chocolate and products and machinery to a range of trade customers and high street retailers including Leeds City Council, The Hungry Caterpillar, Leeds Education, Teeside University, Leeds Tourist Information Centre and a number of cafes, restaurants, churches, offices and hotels.

“Just Coffee People is a small firm on a big mission,” adds Paul Rogers, senior consultant, Ptarmigan Bell Pottinger. “Creating an environment where people that have been excluded from the labour market can work on developing the skills, confidence and references needed to establish a career takes commitment and determination. We contacted Just Coffee People because we could see how PR could make a real difference to the business. By raising awareness of the company’s ethos and its products we can make a valuable contribution to its business.”

The scope and size of the PR programme will fluctuate according to the business’ success and is due to commence in July 2009.

Media contacts

Paul Rogers or Kelly Gough , Ptarmigan Bell Pottinger on Tel: 0113 237 2821