Coffee shop coming to Telford
Black Sheep Coffee never came, but thirsty Telfordians can look forward to a cup of coffee delivered by another brand in that very location.
Starbucks are opening another coffee shop in Telford, and this one is going to be inside Telford Shopping Centre. Right in the spot that Black Sheep Coffee failed to open.
When it comes to coffee culture, Starbucks is a name that has become synonymous with the modern coffee shop experience. The brand’s history, which started in Seattle, Washington, offers a glimpse into how a company selling coffee beans transformed into a global giant.
The first Starbucks store opened its doors in 1971. Initially, it was a small operation focused on selling high-quality coffee beans and equipment, inspired by the founders’ passion for gourmet coffee. It wasn’t until the 1980s that the company’s direction changed significantly under the influence of Howard Schultz, who had a vision of creating a “third place” for people to gather, separate from home and work.
Schultz’s idea was to replicate the Italian coffeehouse experience, focusing on community and a welcoming atmosphere. This led to the rapid expansion of stores not just in America, but eventually across the world. The brand’s strategy has been to offer a premium product and a consistent, high-quality experience.
While its growth has been massive, the company has also embraced local influences. Starbucks stores often incorporate design elements and sometimes even menu items that reflect the community they are in.
The company also has a strong focus on its mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit, with ethical sourcing and community engagement often highlighted as key parts of its brand identity.
On the flip side, Starbucks has faced significant scrutiny in the UK regarding its corporate tax payments.
In 2012, an investigation by Reuters revealed that the company had paid very little corporation tax in the UK over many years, despite reporting billions of pounds in sales. The company was able to legally minimise its tax bill by using a complex corporate structure.
This involved the UK arm paying high fees—such as royalties for the use of the Starbucks brand and licensing fees—to other parts of the company located in countries with lower tax rates, like the Netherlands and Switzerland.
These payments meant the UK business reported a loss, and therefore paid little or no corporate tax.
The revelations led to public outrage, protests, and a boycott campaign by groups like UK Uncut.
Starbucks executives were called to give evidence to the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee. The company insisted it was acting within the law, but in response to the pressure, it voluntarily agreed to pay a “significant amount” of tax in the UK for a couple of years, regardless of its profitability.
