Combat2Coffee forms expert board to support continued growth and impact across East Anglia
Combat2Coffee – the Suffolk-based community interest company – has recruited a team of food and drink experts and veterans to form an advisory board as the business expands its operations across the region.
Four new non-executive directors have joined the board, each selected for their relevant expertise to help continue the business’ growth to become one of the county’s biggest names in coffee and social impact.
Among them are Paddy & Scott’s Co-founder Paddy Bishopp and Tiptree Patisserie Managing Director Daren McGrath, alongside veterans Will Anderson MBE and Paul Botterill.
Founded by Royal Anglian veteran Nigel Seaman in 2018, Combat2Coffee uses coffee as a vehicle to drive positive mental health conversations among former armed forces personnel and people from the uniformed services.
Paddy, who first met Nigel during his tenure at Paddy & Scott’s, said: “My background is in coffee and I’ve always admired what Nigel is doing in the community. His attitude is infectious and I love how he devotes his life to helping others.
“It is great to be back in the coffee industry again, and I look forward to helping make Nigel’s ambitions for the business a reality.”
Will Anderson MBE, a former Major in the Army Air Corps who has since worked in senior marketing and communications roles, said: “I want to give back to my local and military communities, so getting involved with the work Nigel and the team at Combat2Coffee are doing is a great way of doing that.
“I want to use my background in communications to help raise awareness of the impact the organisation has on our communities.
“Paddy is a good friend of mine – and with our combined experience, you could say I bring the combat and he brings the coffee.”
Combat2Coffee has seen continuous growth since its humble beginnings as a mobile caravan. Today, the business boasts two cafes in Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds and is the sole coffee provider to some of the county’s biggest organisations.
Customers include Ipswich Town Football Club, who have partnered with Combat2Coffee on recent initiatives like the I’ve Bean Better and Medals2Matches campaigns.
Daren added he’s looking forward to contributing his expertise in the food and drink industry to drive sales and in turn increase community output.
He said: “I first met Nigel by chance and was immediately charmed by his commitment to supporting veterans.
“My wife and I are involved in a lot of events at Colchester Garrison and recognise the importance of supporting our armed forces community.
“Nigel has done incredibly well in growing Combat2Coffee and us directors are all looking to help him continue on that journey as the organisation takes its next steps.”
Former Royal Navy Officer Paul, who also serves as Treasurer for veteran’s charity The Not Forgotten, added: “I was first introduced to Nigel in 2018 through my work with The Not Forgotten and offered him my support in getting Combat2Coffee off the ground.
“I’ve seen myself as a mentor since then but now together with the fellow directors want to support Nigel in growing the organisation further.
“It has been amazing witnessing its growth and look forward to playing my part in continuing that journey.”
Nigel added: “These past few years have been incredibly exciting for Combat2Coffee and it is amazing to see how many veterans and families we have helped as a result of our work.
Over the last 12 months we have…
“Our new directors and the experience they bring are invaluable to us as an organisation and I am hugely grateful to have them on board.”
