A FAMILY-RUN coffee firm in Kingskerswell has set up its own school to help train professional baristas.

Coffeeman Devon Limited began life in 1994 as a home-based business offering specialist teas, coffees and drinks equipment, operating with just two staff and one van.

Since its start, the company has grown from strength to strength. It now employs six people and runs four vehicles.

Increase in trade meant the need for the business to move to Kingskerswell's Aller Vale Estate in 2000, and continued growth has meant recently expanding into the adjoining unit.

At about the same time, the company decided to create its own quality coffee brand — Crema Coffee.

For sometime it has been the ambition of director Peter Gamble to also set up a coffee school within the business.

Peter said: "With the further expansion of the café culture on our high streets, there can be a lack of quality coffee and training for local businesses.

"For people who work somewhere that sells a lot of coffee it is important they get the right training and to make sure they are making it as enjoyable as possible.

"The school showcases our luxury range of gourmet Crema Coffees as well as the latest coffee equipment available on the market, while providing the perfect location to train and educate members of staff to serve drinks to a barista standard."

To this end, Coffeeman has now become a member of the Beverage Standards Association, and has received City and Guilds accreditation to train barista skills.

Peter added: "The course starts with the basics, such as coffee and tea knowledge, setting up the equipment, and then goes on to the techniques of making the coffee and texturing and foaming the milk.

"We also include instruction on making hot chocolate drinks, smoothies, milkshakes and juices."

However, although the City & Guilds course lasts for three days, resulting in an accreditation for successful attendees, shorter and less formal training programmes can be tailored to suit the needs of individual businesses.

For more details, call 01803 873759, email info@coffeemandevon.co.uk or log on to www.coffeemandevon.co.uk