General caterers who want to learn more about the secrets of successful independent coffee-bar businesses will probably get their chance in September, when the latest Allegra report appears.

Allegra Strategies, which has reported on the progress of the branded chain cafés for some years, is now turning its research work to the independent coffee shop market in the UK.

As part of the research Allegra has attempted the most comprehensive research ever conducted with owners and operators of independent coffee shops throughout the country.
 
The research was conducted by online questionnaire during July and, although operators of independent coffee businesses were invited to make the expected comments on choices of coffee, food development and so on, it is also expected that interesting findings will be made on such subjects as rates and staff wages.

The report will be published mid-September 2008 at £395.

By Ian Boughton