What are your big goals for the new year? Maybe you’re saving up to buy your first home or you want to go back to university to learn something new? Perhaps you’ve got a wedding to plan or have your eye on a new car. Whatever your new year’s resolution, if you work at Starbucks our Bean Stock initiative could bring you one step closer to your financial goals.

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At Starbucks, you’re not just an employee, you’re a partner – that means our success is your success. Every year eligible partners receive an annual allocation of our stock, an initiative we call Bean Stock. When Bean Stock started back in 1991, it was the first program of its kind in retail. Today, anyone who started at Starbucks by 1st&nbsp;May each year – from our roasters to our baristas to our marketing team – receives stock options in November every year that can be sold for a little cash boost or left to grow along with the business over time.&nbsp;

Read on to find out how Bean Stock helped two of our partners, Sam and Jacopo, to accomplish their lifelong dreams.

From barista to homeowner – meet Sam Murgatroyd

Sam Murgatroyd works part-time at our Reserve Roastery in Milan and has always dreamed of owning his own home in the vibrant and historic city. But as one of the most expensive places to live in Italy, for a while this goal felt unattainable. Luckily, with a helping hand from the Bean Stock initiative, Sam was able to save enough to take his first step onto the property ladder.

&nbsp;“What truly made my dream of owning an apartment in Milan possible was Starbucks Bean Stock,” Sam explains, “this employee benefit allowed me to invest in my future and gave me the financial foundation to secure a mortgage.&nbsp;Today, I’m proud to call Milan home, and I owe much of my success to the opportunities that Starbucks provided.”

“From a part-time barista to a homeowner in one of the world’s most enchanting cities, my journey shows how hard work and the right support can change your life,” Sam adds, “here’s to the adventures ahead and the dreams that can come true with a little coffee and a lot of passion!”

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Brewing academic success – meet Jacopo Cavallo

In 2022, Jacopo Cavallo decided he wanted to go back to university to learn something new and take his career to new heights. At the time, he was working as a Senior Manufacturing Manager at our Reserve Roastery in Milan and was able to apply for an Executive Master Business Administration course at Politecnico di Milano using his shares from Bean Stock. “I thought this would make a big contribution to my career at Starbucks and my professional development in general,” he explains.

When he graduated in 2024, Jacopo says his parents were brimming with pride. “Starbucks has contributed to the achievement of this personal milestone through my Bean Stock grants,” he adds. It was Jacopo’s hard work and commitment that allowed him to reach this incredible accomplishment – Bean Stock just offered a helping hand to get him there.

Empowering partners to reach their life goals

“As an employer, Starbucks believes you should have the opportunity to share in the success of the company – no matter if you’re pouring coffees or poring over spreadsheets, whether you work part-time or full-time,” says Lisa Robbins, vice president of partner resources EMEA, “that’s why at Starbucks we’re not just employees, we’re partners.”&nbsp;

You can <a href="https://starbucksbeanstock.com/en/">find out more about Bean Stock here</a>.

From beans to dreams – Starbucks partners are turning dreams into reality with Bean Stock - Starbucks Stories EMEA

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Starbucks Stories EMEA

From beans to dreams – Starbucks partners are turning dreams into reality with Bean Stock

At Starbucks, you’re not just an employee, you’re a partner – that means our success is your success. Every year eligible partners receive an annual allocation of our stock, an initiative we call Bean Stock.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/17/2025/01/Bean-scoop-e1736779965336-875x1024.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2025/from-beans-to-dreams-starbucks-partners-are-turning-dreams-into-reality-with-bean-stock/

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Think you’re a Starbucks superfan? Only true Starbucks lovers could catch all the secret details we snuck into our latest holiday advert. ‘Tis the season for surprises and there are plenty of them hidden throughout our advert – try and spot them all! &nbsp;

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Spot our leading lady…

George may be the star of the holiday advert but we all know that the real main character is the iconic siren on our logo. She’s what makes Starbucks…well, Starbucks. If you look closely, you’ll spot her hiding in the background of several shots in the ad. Pause at 0:03. See the little girl drawing something on the wall by the stairs – look familiar? At the end of the advert the siren makes another cameo in the form of a stuffed toy.

Bonus fact: ever wondered why we have a siren in our logo?&nbsp; Well, it’s because our hometown is the port city of Seattle. Our founders had an affinity for the sea and actually landed on the name ‘Starbucks’ because of a character from the classic novel, Moby Dick (if you know, you know). It only felt right for our logo to pay homage to this mystical maiden of the sea.

Now here’s a niche fact for the serious Starbucks superfans out there... In our holiday advert, you might have noticed the siren isn’t entirely accurate – because she only has one tail, whereas on the Starbucks logo she actually has two! That’s because she isn’t your typical mermaid – she’s a siren. These super-mermaids are often depicted in mythology with two tails. You can read all about the interesting history behind our logo <a href="https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2016/who-is-starbucks-siren/">here</a>. &nbsp;

The iconic Starbucks-green

You probably noticed there’s a lot of green in our holiday ad. What can we say, it’s our favourite colour! The main character, George, is of course wearing a Starbucks-green jacket throughout. At the start you’ll also spy a green umbrella in the hallway if you look close enough. Notice anything else that’s green?

Blink and you’ll miss it but, in the scene where George is rushing through the grocery store, you’ll see an elderly grandmother who seems to be picking up some last-minute baubles. But what’s that in the refrigerator to her right? Yep, it’s the Starbucks ready-to-drink range! In fact, if you pop into your local supermarket IRL today, you’ll be able to pick up a Caffe Latte Chilled Coffee Classic, which comes in a festive red cup just like the one pictured in the advert. Go ahead, treat yourself! &nbsp;&nbsp;

Near the end of the advert, George stops off at his local Starbucks for respite from the festive mania. The store looks pretty realistic, doesn’t it? That’s because our animators carefully handcrafted every detail to replicate a real store. As you can imagine, it took them a while.

If you look closely, you’ll see the background characters are drinking from our classic red holiday cups. If you’re really eagle-eyed, you’ll also spot the realistic cakes and treats behind the counter and the Starbucks merch lining the shelves in the background – they’re actually the same festive touches you’ll find if you head into one of our stores today.

If you’re wondering how we packed so much detail into a 30 second film, read about how we used stop-motion to capture the festive magic on-screen <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2024/the-stop-motion-magic-behind-drink-in-breathe-out/">here</a>. &nbsp;

Blink and you’ll miss it! Discover the secret details in our Starbucks holiday ad - Starbucks Stories EMEA

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Blink and you’ll miss it! Discover the secret details in our Starbucks holiday ad

Think you’re a Starbucks superfan? Only true Starbucks lovers could catch all the secret details we snuck into our latest holiday advert. ‘Tis the season for surprises and there are plenty of them hidden throughout our advert

https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2024/blink-and-youll-miss-it-discover-the-secret-details-in-our-starbucks-holiday-ad/

Holiday adverts hold a special place in people’s hearts. For many of us, they’re a highlight of the season.

With winter well underway, some eagle-eyed viewers might have spotted a brand-new contender for advert of the season on their TVs.

So, grab a cup of coffee and join us as we explore the magic and artistry behind our new ‘Drink In, Breathe Out’ ad.

Drink In, Breathe Out

Meet family man, George. He’s busy trying to navigate the chaos that is the holiday season. We’ve all been there. From a raucous work party, tangled fairy lights and last minute gift shopping, George is in search of a moment of peace amid the hustle and bustle of the festive countdown. Luckily, he finally catches his breath in his local Starbucks store. That’s the story of ‘Drink In, Breathe Out’ in a nutshell.

Captured in a 30-second mixed-media video, the magic and madness is created using a unique blend of 3D sets, stop-motion and animated 2D characters.

We caught up (over a coffee, of course) with the creative brain behind the project, Lauren Coates, creative director from our agency partners at TBWA, to learn more about the idea that sparked the campaign.

“Research showed that people already see Starbucks as a good place to take a breather when they’re on the go,” Lauren explains, “Starbucks is that cosy and inviting spot you seek when you need a break. Our aim was to reposition Starbucks as the ultimate refuge from holiday stress”.

The final result? A breathtaking show of stop-motion craftsmanship. From the stitching on George’s green jacket, to miniature iconic red Starbucks cups (yes, even smaller than a demi), the advert is filled with magical little details.

Here’s how Lauren’s team brought George’s tiny, festive world to life.

Magic moments in every detail

The set in the advert is a mini masterpiece, brought to life by a team of incredible artists who poured their talent and passion into capturing the essence of a Starbucks Holiday.

Among their achievements? A miniature replica of a Starbucks store. Pause the advert, and you will uncover a world of incredible craftsmanship – from the baked goods behind the counter that look good enough to eat, to the intricate textures and finishes that make each scene pop with colour and life.

Every single prop you see on screen was meticulously handmade from scratch. The pictures adorning the walls of George’s cosy home, the buzzing computers at his office party, the fully stocked supermarket shelves, and even a tiny, festive Christmas tree complete with perfectly wrapped presents. And let’s not forget the star of the show, George himself – lovingly sculpted with precision and care, right down to his spectacles.

To capture the whirlwind of George’s holiday rush, the team spent five weeks designing and creating a curved, rotating set that brought the scenery to life around him - creating the perfect illusion of motion and urgency.

Every single one of George’s movements and expressions were painstakingly brought to life through the magic of stop-motion animation. Each tiny adjustment was crafted by hand. Can you imagine the incredible precision and limitless patience needed to make this perfect? &nbsp;It was a true labour of love that makes every frame feel alive.

The final sprinkle of holiday sparkle

But the creativity of this team did not stop there. After the filming of George’s world wrapped, it was time to add characters and the festive chaos that surrounds him.

To give George the main character energy he deserves, the other characters were animated in 2D. Don’t be fooled, this was not the easiest route to take. Every smile, every stumble, every sigh, had to be perfectly in-sync with his 2D co-stars. Marrying 2D with 3D stop-motion truly tested our artists’ professionalism and precision. But it was the perfect finishing touch to add some magic to the final cut.

A hidden surprise for the real coffee lovers

Now it wouldn’t be the holiday season without some surprises, would it? As a final treat for all you Starbucks lovers out there, we’ve hidden some little surprises throughout the ad, just for you. Think you can spot them all?

If you’re in need of some entertainment over your next coffee break, why not grab a latte, take a breather, and tune in to ‘Drink in, Breathe Out’.

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The stop-motion magic behind ‘Drink In, Breathe Out’ - Starbucks Stories EMEA

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The stop-motion magic behind ‘Drink In, Breathe Out’

Holiday adverts hold a special place in people’s hearts and for some eagle-eyed viewers might have spotted a brand-new contender for advert of the season on their TVs. Grab a cup of coffee and join us as we explore the magic and artistry behind our new ‘Drink In, Breathe Out’ ad.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Hero-1024x576.jpeg

https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2024/the-stop-motion-magic-behind-drink-in-breathe-out/

Starbucks Coffee Company announced today it has acquired 23.5 Degrees in the U.K., further expanding its portfolio of company-operated stores and enhancing the coffeehouse experience for customers.&nbsp;

This acquisition brings on board the largest Starbucks-licensed business partner in the market, encompassing approximately 113 stores and 1,650 employees. With this addition, Starbucks significantly expands its wholly owned footprint, increasing its total number of company-operated locations to almost 500 in the UK. 

Alex Rayner, General Manager, UK, Switzerland and Austria: “I want to acknowledge the important contributions of 23.5 Degrees and the dedicated green apron partners. This strategic move will enable us to enhance our investment in new locations, elevate our in-store experience, and drive innovation for our UK customers.”

Starbucks Acquires 23.5 Degrees in the U.K. - Starbucks Stories EMEA

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Starbucks Acquires 23.5 Degrees in the U.K.

Starbucks Coffee Company announced today it has acquired 23.5 Degrees in the U.K., further expanding its portfolio of company-operated stores and enhancing the coffeehouse experience for customers.&nbsp; This acquisition brings on board the largest Starbucks-licensed business partner in the market, encompassing approximately 113 stores and 1,650 employees. With this addition, Starbucks significantly expands its wholly […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2024/starbucks-23-5-degrees-in-the-uk/

Let us introduce to you to our 2024 Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2024/2024-emea-barista-championships/">EMEA Barista Champion</a>, Sumayyah Eid!

Beating thousands of other Starbucks baristas as all vying for the win, Summayyah saw off the competition to take the purple apron in London last week.

Taking place in our Starbucks Support Centre in Chiswick, London, the best baristas from our EMEA region battled over three intense days for the title of 2024 EMEA Barista Champion, and for the opportunity to represent the region in the first ever Global Barista Championships taking place next year.&nbsp;

Sumayyah, who represents Jordan, was competing at her first Barista Championships and has been working with Starbucks since she was 15, when she started as a part-time barista in Tampa, Florida. She moved to Jordan in 2019 to be closer to her family.

Straight after her win, Sumayyah said: “Oh my gosh! That is all I can really say. I haven’t processed this yet, you could pinch me – the emotions are overwhelming, in a good way.”

This year, the EMEA Barista Championship was open to 55,000 partners from 42 markets, with 37 of the most talented baristas showcasing the passion that goes into creating the perfect cup of coffee in last week’s final. Their skills were tested across several different rounds, including presenting a coffee tasting, creating picture perfect latte art, inventing their very own signature drink and, for the first time this year, taking part in a ‘store rush’. Dubbed the contestants favourite round, store rush recreates the everyday coffee rush, but the only difference being that the champions were timed and marked on how well they perfect the ‘customer’ order.

The purple apron was presented to Sumayyah by Vaso Papastamatiou, last year’s Champion, who also helped to judge the competition.

“It has meant so much to me to compete this year, and I would encourage every single partner across the globe to take part as it is an amazing experience, regardless of winning the purple apron,” Sumayyah continued. “I want every partner to be as excited as I am. I’ve taken so many photos and videos so when I return home I can share with all my partners.

As well as naming one crowned winner, who also took the title of the first-ever Values Winner by popular vote, this year’s competition also celebrates the incredible talent on display through naming round winners. A huge congratulations to the following partners:

Storytelling 2024 Round Winners (a six-way tie!):

Signature Beverage 2024 Round Winner

Latte Art 2024 Round Winner

Store Rush 2024 Round Winner

From a record-breaking number of participants to entry into the first global Barista Championships taking place in 2025, this year’s championship was truly unforgettable. <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2024/2024-emea-barista-championships/">Learn more about it here</a>

Sumayyah Eid, Our 2024 Starbucks EMEA Barista Champion! - Starbucks Stories EMEA

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Sumayyah Eid, Our 2024 Starbucks EMEA Barista Champion!

Let us introduce to you to our 2024 Starbucks EMEA Barista Champion, Sumayyah Eid! Beating thousands of other Starbucks baristas, Summayyah saw off the competition to take the purple apron in London.

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2024/sumayyah-eid-our-2024-starbucks-emea-barista-champion/

All around Europe, the Middle East and Africa, there is a tangible buzz of anticipation as the 2024 EMEA Barista Championships prepare to take centre stage. This year's competition promises to be a landmark event, featuring a record-breaking number of national winners competing for the coveted purple apron, only one of which is awarded each year.&nbsp;

A Regional Showcase of Talent&nbsp;

The 2024 EMEA Barista Championships will bring together the finest baristas from around the region, with participants demonstrating their skills in a series of challenging tasks, including Storytelling, Latte Art, Signature Beverage alongside a brand-new mission: Store Rush. The competition is a testament to the artistry and passion that goes into crafting the perfect cup of coffee, alongside showcasing the extraordinary connections that partners (employees) create between themselves and their customers.&nbsp;

A Record-Breaking Field&nbsp;

One of the most exciting aspects of this year's competition is the unprecedented number of national winners. With 37 baristas, this year’s competition brings together more champions than ever before. This reflects the continuing power of the Barista Championships, and the importance of the skills being showcased, as it returns for the 11th year in Europe, ahead of the inaugural Global event happening in 2025.&nbsp;

Why This Year's Competition Will Be Unforgettable&nbsp;

There are several reasons to believe that the 2024 EMEA Barista Championships will be a truly memorable event. Firstly, the record-breaking number of participants ensures a high level of competition and a diverse range of expertise approaches. Secondly, the winner of the 2024 EMEA Barista Championships will represent partners across Europe, the Middle East and Africa in the first Global Barista Championships happening in mid-2025. Finally, the winner of the 2024 EMEA Barista Championships will travel to Rwanda as part of the Starbucks Origin Experience. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that takes partners to the heart of the story of coffee, experiencing the journey of the humble bean, beginning on the farms where it is grown, and building knowledge they can share with their fellow partners across the Region.&nbsp;

What It Takes to Be a Barista Champion&nbsp;

Becoming a Barista Champion requires a combination of talent, hard work, and a deep understanding of coffee. Successful competitors have a passion for their craft, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to think creatively under pressure. They must also be able to connect with their audience and judges, communicating their passion for coffee effectively.&nbsp;

The 2024 EMEA Barista Championships are poised to be a thrilling and unforgettable event. As the competition takes place from 25th-27th September, we can expect to see some of the most talented and innovative baristas in the world showcase their skills and push the boundaries of coffee artistry. Keep an eye on @EMEACoffeeTeam for updates around the competition livestream.&nbsp;

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30 - Finals 06.10.23

2024 EMEA Barista Championships - Starbucks Stories EMEA

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All around Europe, the Middle East and Africa, there is a tangible buzz of anticipation as the 2024 EMEA Barista Championships prepare to take centre stage. This year&#8217;s competition promises to be a landmark event, featuring a record-breaking number of national winners competing for the coveted purple apron, only one of which is awarded each […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2024/2024-emea-barista-championships/

2024 EMEA Barista Championships

Starbucks fans in the Nordics will soon have even more opportunity to get their hands on their favourite beverage. Trusted licensee partner Berjaya Food International ("BFI"), will be bringing the Starbucks Experience to Iceland for the first time and across new stores in Denmark, and Finland.

Duncan Moir, president of Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa said: "We’re pleased to expand our presence in the Nordic markets alongside our trusted and long-term business partner, Berjaya Food Berhad, and contribute to the vibrant local coffee community in the region."&nbsp;

"Building on our 26-year relationship with BFood, we are excited to further connect with more customers over a handcrafted Starbucks beverage and make impactful investments in our green apron partners (employees) as well as the community."

Berjaya Food International Expands into the Nordic Market Through Operating Rights for Starbucks Coffee Company Retail Stores

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (5 AUG 2024) - Berjaya Food International ("BFI"), the international arm under Berjaya Food Berhad (“BFood”), is set to make a strong entry into the Nordic market with the announcement that it has been granted the rights to operate Starbucks stores in three countries, Iceland, Denmark, and Finland.

This strategic move marks the first entry of a Malaysian public-listed F&amp;B company into the heart of the Nordic coffee scene, with a focus on local hiring and sourcing, highlighting BFood’s dedication to spreading its culinary and operational expertise and elevating F&amp;B experiences on a global scale.

BFI’s vision is to blend Starbucks iconic standards of quality, innovation, and hospitality with its own brand of culinary and operational excellence, promising the renowned unparalleled Starbucks Experience to Nordic coffee enthusiasts.

"We are thrilled to announce our new venture of opening Starbucks Coffee stores in the Nordic region," said Dato’ Sydney Quays, CEO of Berjaya Food Berhad. "We are excited to bring our expertise and passion for excellence to the vibrant Nordic coffee culture, introducing warm Malaysian hospitality and promising the exceptional Starbucks ‘third place’ experience cherished worldwide."

“We’re pleased to expand our presence in the Nordic markets alongside our trusted and long-term business partner, Berjaya Food Berhad, and contribute to the vibrant local coffee community in the region, said Duncan Moir, president of Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Building on our 26-year relationship with BFood, we are excited to further connect with more customers over a handcrafted Starbucks beverage and make impactful investments in our green apron partners (employees) as well as the community.”

The company is committed to maintaining the exceptional Starbucks standards of quality, warmth, and hospitality that customers in the region have come to know. As BFI assumes stewardship of Starbucks stores in Iceland, Denmark, and Finland, it paves the way for a new era of innovation and growth in the Nordic coffee landscape. The company is also dedicated to honoring Starbucks Mission and Promises of community engagement and sustainability initiatives, further enriching the Nordic community.

In Denmark, BFI’s expansion to the market will build on the rich coffee culture and store footprint established by Salling Group.&nbsp;

“We are pleased to welcome Berjaya Food Berhad as our new licensed retail operator partner and look forward to a strong collaboration that will strengthen our position in the Danish market even further,” Marianne Bedsted, CEO Salling &amp; Franchise, Salling Group. “This partnership will expand our footprint and grow the Starbucks brand in Denmark. With our current strong momentum and Starbucks status as the most preferred coffee shop among Danes, we see significant potential for opening additional locations and attracting even more new customers.”

BFI looks forward to expanding its global presence while writing the next chapter in BFood's storied history. For more information on Berjaya Food Berhad and its portfolio of brands, please visit <a href="http://berjayafood.com/about-us/">berjayafood.com/about-us/</a>

Starbucks Expands into the Nordic Region - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Starbucks fans in the Nordics will soon have even more opportunity to get their hands on their favourite beverage. Trusted licensee partner Berjaya Food International (&#8220;BFI&#8221;), will be bringing the Starbucks Experience to Iceland for the first time and across new stores in Denmark, and Finland. Duncan Moir, president of Starbucks Europe, Middle East and […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2024/starbucks-expands-into-the-nordic-region/

Starbucks Expands into the Nordic Region

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As human beings, we naturally thrive on being social and connecting with others around us. This is where a new partnership between Starbucks UK and Harry Kane Foundation (HKF) comes in. Launching across the UK this June, the goal is simple: to bring people together by kicking off a conversation over a coffee to support mental wellbeing. &nbsp;

According to the <a href="https://www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CSJ-Lonely_Nation.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centre of Social Justice</a>, loneliness in Britain is worse than it’s ever been. Almost six in 10 adults – a whopping 31.4 million people – feel lonely most, often or some of the time. &nbsp;

The research also found that the younger generation are the loneliest, with seven out of 10 of 18-24 year-olds saying they feel lonely, compared to under half of those aged 65 and over. If anything’s clear, it’s that the UK’s loneliness epidemic needs to be tackled – and sooner rather than later.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Across the next 12 months, Starbucks UK is donating £500,000 to Harry Kane Foundation which is a restricted fund under the auspices of Prism the Gift Fund (Registered charity no: 1099682)&nbsp;to support the charity’s work through awareness, education and empowerment initiatives on behalf of national charities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Founded on World Mental Health Day in October 2022, the Harry Kane Foundation launched with a mission to transform a generation’s thinking about mental health. Spearheaded by the England football Captain and Bayern Munich striker, the foundation promotes habits that build psychological fitness (mental resilience and emotional wellbeing) and provides practical support to the public through mental health services.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The foundation is partnering with Starbucks UK to promote the longstanding culture of connecting over a coffee and to tackle the stigma that surrounds loneliness.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Unique coffee cup sleeves and stickers will act as real-life conversation starters in store, encouraging customers and partners alike to connect with a stranger, their family or friends over their shared passions as the nation comes together to celebrate the summer of sport. Plus, London’s Brompton Road Starbucks store will be transformed into a Connection Café over the summer, inviting customers to come in and talk.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Small talk really can make a big difference when it comes to our mental health and happiness,” Harry Kane says. “Spending even a short time together talking can make you feel good in that moment, but also leave a memory that lasts. Remembering we are not on our own is a big boost to our wellbeing.”&nbsp;

“This initiative through my Foundation with Starbucks UK will get more human connections going, creating special moments through something we all love, whether it is football or a good cup of coffee!” &nbsp;

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For&nbsp;over 25 years, Starbucks&nbsp;has woven itself into the fabric of the communities it serves in the UK, offering customers a ‘Third Place’ - a warm and welcoming space that feels like an extension of their homes in stores and beyond. Starbucks is also committed to its partners (employees) through a range of initiatives that enable them to look after and improve their mental health. This includes The Partner Life support network – a free and confidential employee assistance programme offering counselling sessions if they need them. In addition to providing mental health awareness training to all store managers, Starbucks UK also offers its partners Bupa private medical insurance, which comprises of full mental health support.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We are thrilled to partner with the Harry Kane Foundation to kick off this important conversation,” says Alex Rayner, General Manager at Starbucks UK. &nbsp;

“Just like sport, the ritual of coffee is a powerful way to connect with others. Together with our passionate and trusted green apron partners, we are making every Starbucks store a place where people can come together share their stories and connect over a coffee”. &nbsp;

The Starbucks UK donation to Harry Kane Foundation isn’t the only initiative you can expect to see as part of the campaign. When heading into your local store* this summer, keep an eye out for the number of ways the partnership is coming to life.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With plenty more chances to kick off a conversation over a coffee, keep an eye out for more updates to the partnership throughout the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Neville Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne&nbsp;&nbsp;

Starbucks will donate £500,000 to The Harry Kane Foundation, which is a restricted fund under the auspices of Prism the Gift Fund (Registered charity no: 1099682).&nbsp;

Limited edition cup sleeves subject to availability, whilst stocks last. 10,000 sleeves available at selected stores only.&nbsp;

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Starbucks UK and Harry Kane Foundation invite the nation to ‘kick off a conversation over a coffee’ - Starbucks Stories EMEA

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Starbucks UK and Harry Kane Foundation invite the nation to ‘kick off a conversation over a coffee’

Starbucks UK and Harry Kane Foundation invite the nation to ‘kick off a conversation over a coffee’ “This initiative will get more human connections going, creating special moments through something we all love, whether it is football or a good cup of coffee!”&nbsp; &#8211; Harry Kane As human beings, we naturally thrive on being social […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2024/starbucks-uk-and-harry-kane-foundation-invite-the-nation-to-kick-off-a-conversation-over-a-coffee-with-the-goal-of-kindness/

Together with environmental charity Hubbub, Starbucks UK has funded 100 new community green spaces across the UK – with an average distance of 2km from a Starbucks store – to help provide local communities with access to nature. 

Totaling £600,000, the Nature Hubs Fund as it has been dubbed by charity partner Hubbub, has funded a plethora of different outdoor projects including new gardens that grow food for the local community, outdoor theatres, yoga studios and areas for music performances to help residents connect, and converting unused, dilapidated buildings like farmhouses and old supermarkets into new outdoor social spaces.&nbsp;

As well as providing initial funding, Starbucks stores across the UK are further supporting the green projects local to them through initiatives such as donating used coffee grounds to help create healthy compost, as well as encouraging partners (employees) to volunteer to give back to their local community. Each Nature Hub is publicly accessible and within, on average, 2km* of a partner Starbucks store, where activities will be promoted for customers, partners, and the local community.&nbsp;

In 2024, a survey conducted by the environmental charity Hubbub revealed a striking truth - 81% of individuals experience a significant improvement in wellbeing by spending time in nature, yet more than a third of people (33%) in the UK currently spend less than an hour a week in nature.&nbsp;

But don’t just take our word for it – a number of communities have already benefited from The Nature Hubs Fund. May Project Gardens is a London-based permaculture garden connecting people to nature for personal, social and economic transformation. “I’ve experienced the healing effects nature can have and connecting with nature has really improved my mental wellbeing,” says Ian Soloman-Kawall, the Hub’s CEO. “You see in people’s faces that they enjoy interacting with nature. People say our space is magical and they’re so glad they found it – it’s great that Derby has something like this,” adds Pascale Holden, a volunteer at Derby community garden Electric Daisy.&nbsp;

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The Nature Hubs Fund is a continuation of the work that Starbucks and Hubbub have developed through their six-year partnership. In May, long standing charity partners of Starbucks, Hubbub and NHS Charities Together, announced the next round of The Greener Communities Fund, which develops green spaces in hospital grounds to help improve the physical and mental health of NHS patients, staff and communities that live nearby.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Since the beginning, Starbucks has been about more than coffee. Everyday across the globe, our partners support the communities in our stores and the neighbourhoods we are a part of,” says Alex Rayner, General Manager at Starbucks UK.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Starbucks UK Nature Hubs marks a new milestone in our aim to contribute positively to every community we serve, helping to transform local areas into vibrant green spaces that bring people together in nature. I am grateful to our partners for bringing them to life and can’t wait to see the joy and benefits they bring to our communities.”&nbsp;

Gavin Ellis, Director &amp; Co-founder at Hubbub added: “Access to safe and inclusive green spaces, particularly in urban areas, is so critical to our mental, physical and social wellbeing. Improving the green spaces in our towns and cities also helps to improve biodiversity, cool our streets and provide fantastic opportunities to grow fresh produce. The Nature Hubs initiative is designed to make these natural spaces - and the many wonderful ways to engage in environmental activities within them - much more accessible for everyone.&nbsp;

“We received so many incredible applications from community groups and are really excited to work with all our new Nature Hubs partners to see the impact that these varied and ambitious plans will have on local communities.”&nbsp;

Starbucks UK and Hubbub are funding 100 green spaces for communities across the UK  - Starbucks Stories EMEA

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Starbucks UK and Hubbub are funding 100 green spaces for communities across the UK 

Together with environmental charity Hubbub, Starbucks UK has funded 100 new community green spaces across the UK – with an average distance of 2km from a Starbucks store – to help provide local communities with access to nature.  Totaling £600,000, the Nature Hubs Fund as it has been dubbed by charity partner Hubbub, has funded […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2024/starbucks-uk-and-hubbub-are-funding-100-green-spaces-for-communities-across-the-uk/

The very first of its kind, Starbucks UK has launched a new training programme for its partners (employees) to learn British Sign Language, elevating the experience of deaf and hard of hearing customers and combatting the feelings of anxiety and isolation they may experience when interacting in retail settings.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Made in partnership with the British Deaf Association (BDA) and tech platform Attensi, the gamified training app is an accessible, engaging way for Starbucks partners to learn everyday phrases including greetings, useful questions and beverage orders. So far, the industry leading initiative has been embraced by Starbucks partners across the UK in huge numbers.&nbsp;

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But how did it all start?&nbsp;

All of this began thanks to one incredible Starbucks partner: Toro Manca.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Beginning his Starbucks journey in London in 2001 as a barista, Toro is now a District Manager for stores in south-<s> </s>west London. His passion for deaf awareness and teaching British Sign Language began when he was managing Canary Wharf’s Jubilee Place store, back in 2012.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We had a regular deaf customer who came into the store, and we tried our best to communicate with them, but we struggled and wanted to elevate that connection,” he tells me over a coffee in the store where it all began. “A lot of people see people signing and think, ‘I would love to learn that’, and I really did too, so I signed up to learn level one, which is an introduction to British Sign Language and deaf awareness.”&nbsp;

With the support of Starbucks, Toro soon completed levels two and three of the course, and became more and more involved with his local deaf community, making friends and learning of the hardships they face – especially when it comes to gaining employment. “People would tell me that they couldn’t get work because as soon as an employer saw a CV that stated deafness, they wouldn’t even interview them.. It became this dream of mine to help support the community and help get them into work.”&nbsp;

Toro went on to achieve just that after reaching out to the Royal Association for Deaf People, who supported him in hiring 10 partners across stores in London. Now, almost all of the partners in the Jubilee Place store know how to sign, and with the success of the Attensi app Toro spearheaded, hopefully other UK stores will soon follow suit. &nbsp;

“We’ve used Attensi training in-store for about 4 years, and I always thought, ‘Why don’t we do deaf awareness on here?’. I wasn’t sure if it would work because I went to college to learn British Sign Language, and there you have a teacher and classmates to interact with. I wasn’t sure how it would work on a mobile device, but we went for it. We shared our ideas with Attensi and they were super happy to try something new, as they’d never done this before either. It’s really worked and I’m so proud that this platform is supporting partners and customers.”&nbsp;

Screenshots from the Attensi app

“We’re always up for a challenge at Attensi and this was definitely a challenging brief,” Trond Aas, Attensi’s CEO and co-founder says. “There really isn’t a training solution to compare to this. We had to be innovative right from the drawing board and break new ground to get the right levels of participation to achieve the impact we all wanted to achieve.” 

“British Sign Language is very expressive – we had to ensure that we could convey this in the games for a realistic and relatable experience for the learner. One of the key tests in simulation and game-based training is to achieve realistic context for the games so that people can apply the skills they have learned in the virtual world in real-life scenarios.”&nbsp;

“The design phase of this project was highly collaborative and iterative. We worked closely with deaf partners working at Starbucks and the British Deaf Association to come up with innovative ways to engage employees in repetition and practice of BSL communication. It was important to us to really understand the challenges that deaf people can face in day-to-day communications and help employees master the BSL skills that can help to improve the Starbucks experience for deaf people.” &nbsp;

Rebecca Mansell, CEO of the British Deaf Association, says that the initiative marks a “significant leap” towards inclusivity, increasing awareness of the deaf community and ensuring equal experiences for all. “Everyone at the BDA is incredibly proud of this collaboration – it would be amazing to use this ground-breaking training as a case study for us to campaign for more inclusive practices across all businesses,” she continues. “I think this is something to be incredibly proud of – Starbucks has led the way and now it is time for others to follow suit.”&nbsp;

“Every day, our partners support the communities in our stores and the neighbourhoods we are part of, working to improve the Starbucks Experience for all customers across the UK and ensure we create places where everyone feels welcome,” says Alex Rayner, General Manager at Starbucks UK. “I’m proud to see just how many partners have chosen to learn British Sign Language as part of this pioneering new training.”&nbsp;

Toro has seen the positive impacts of this initiative firsthand in store. “Very often when I was working in Canary Wharf, customers would approach me and say how inspired they were leaving the store after watching deaf partners working with hearing partners and seeing how amazing they were at supporting each other,” he says. “For many, it was the highlight of their day before going to the office. I also discovered that a lot of customers learnt sign language themselves, whether they were saying thank you or ordering their coffee. It made me feel so proud.”&nbsp;

He goes on to point out that the potential impacts of this kind of training could be even greater: “We know that 11 million people are deaf or hard of hearing in the UK – there’s such a big opportunity in that to inspire and make others feel more welcome in Starbucks stores. Inclusion always has, and always will be, so important.”&nbsp;

Starbucks UK launches industry-leading training programme teaching store partners British Sign Language, elevating the Starbucks experience for deaf and hard of hearing customers  - Starbucks Stories EMEA

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Starbucks UK launches industry-leading training programme teaching store partners British Sign Language, elevating the Starbucks experience for deaf and hard of hearing customers 

The very first of its kind, Starbucks UK has launched a new training programme for its partners (employees) to learn British Sign Language, elevating the experience of deaf and hard of hearing customers and combatting the feelings of anxiety and isolation they may experience when interacting in retail settings.&nbsp;&nbsp; Made in partnership with the British […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/17/2024/05/MM_Phone_PH-B-02-copy-1-1024x683.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2024/starbucks-uk-launches-industry-leading-training-programme-teaching-store-partners-british-sign-language-elevating-the-starbucks-experience-for-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-customers/

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