Ey Up Coffee: Brewing Success in Bridlington

Ey Up Coffee is a standout example of a young entrepreneur using local support, creativity and resilience to build a thriving business in East Yorkshire.

Founded in December 2023, by Lloyd Brodie, the business serves artisan coffee from its mobile unit and through collaboration with The Old Lifeboat Station in Bridlington.

Lloyd’s journey illustrates how quality advice, practical guidance and well-timed investment can unlock real growth and help businesses to flourish.

What began as a one-person start-up has expanded rapidly. Lloyd now employs three casual staff, with plans to recruit further— including a full-time role—to support the company’s next phase of growth.

With an active presence on both Facebook and Instagram, they’re building a strong local following and a reputation for high-quality coffee.

Lloyd first reached out to the Invest East Yorkshire Business Support Team in September 2023, as he was starting his first business. He was looking for clear, practical guidance on:
• Setting up the business correctly
• Understanding licensing requirements
• Identifying grants and funding opportunities.

Business Adviser Lianne Emery worked closely with Lloyd throughout his start-up journey. Support included:
• A practical compliance checklist that simplified complex processes
• Guidance on navigating licensing barriers, particularly around mobile trading locations
• Problem-solving discussions that helped Lloyd redirect his plans when initial routes proved restrictive or cost-prohibitive
• Regular monitoring, calls and emails to review progress, share opportunities and explore grants.

Lloyd emphasised how valuable the support was in building his confidence and helping him turn ideas into tangible plans: “Talking to Lianne left me feeling it’s possible. The grant allowed me to purchase equipment without the burden and worry about debt and that took some pressure off.”

Invest East Yorkshire’s support contributed to a number of significant milestones for Ey Up Coffee:
• Acquisition of essential new equipment, including a second coffee machine, coffee grinder, electric tamper and water exchange unit
• Doubling of turnover and profit in the business’s second year
• Job creation, with three casual roles added and further recruitment planned
• Establishment of a base at The Old Lifeboat Station

Lloyd is now preparing to expand Ey Up Coffee’s presence at larger events and festivals, strengthening its role in the visitor economy and creating new employment opportunities.

He is confident about the next stage of the journey and attributes part of this momentum to the support received: “Thanks again for all your help. Super excited about the next chapter.”

Beyond his own business success, Lloyd has contributed meaningfully to the wider Bridlington visitor economy:
• Ey Up Coffee has supported the continued growth of The Old Lifeboat Station, with both businesses benefiting from increased footfall.
• His active presence has helped build off-season awareness and activity.
• As a young entrepreneur, Lloyd is also fostering opportunities for other young people by creating meaningful development roles within his business.

Part of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support team works closely with businesses on projects that will help them to grow and evolve, as well as identifying any sources of funding that may be available to help them.

If you’re launching or growing a business and want to explore support or grant eligibility, visit: www.investeastyorkshire.co.uk/business-support