A coffee break with...

Richard Robinson, founder of Old Spike Roastery

What does your job typically entail?
As a small company, it is quite hands-on. We set up Old Spike six years ago and things have changed a lot in that time - we now have five different locations including our roastery HQ. Although it is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of operating the business, my role is increasingly about future planning and forecasting, and making sure we have the team and the money to deliver on our ambitious growth targets. 

How did you get into the industry?
Having spent 10 years working in advertising, I reached the ripe old age of 30 and decided it was now or never to start my own business. I had always liked coffee and my passion developed in New York, where I lived from 2008 to 2011. When I returned, I met with my old school friend and we set up Old Spike, which is the first speciality coffee social enterprise in the UK.

What’s your favourite part of your working day?
I usually have my best ideas cycling to work where I have a bit of space to think about what I need to achieve that day. Nothing better than arriving and having a new, exciting V60 freshly brewed by our head of coffee to kick off the day!

And your least favourite?
I am not a big fan of admin – I still have a love/hate relationship with my Xero accounting software. 

What’s your favourite food and beverage?
I am very much into my food and own a separate restaurant called Coal Rooms which is based in Peckham. Our Sunday, roast beef wellington is pretty legendary, but at home I cook a mean chili con carne which is my go-to.

And your least favourite?
Fennel. Anything with fennel. 

What is the biggest factor currently affecting the industry?
We really are entering the perfect storm of rapidly increasing green coffee prices and a staffing crisis never experienced before. For a business owner who is reliant on both, it is certainly a challenging time, but it is one we are working our way through. It is on us as employers to really focus on the team and our social mission to train and employ the homeless – this is central to everything we are about as a company. 

What one piece of advice would you offer someone working in the industry?
It is a great industry to work in, but in the current climate it’s not without its challenges. I think being able to roll with the punches and being adaptable to change are two key things that will help ride out this period of uncertainty. One way or the other things tend to work out the way they are meant to, so I try and stay eternally positive! 

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