A LOCAL coffee shop has been celebrating after discovering it is in line for a national award. 

Esquires Coffee in Caerphilly has recently been informed that it has been named the 'Best Ethical Coffee Enterprise Wales' at the Welsh Enterprise Awards 2024. 

The company, which also has a second branch in Wales located in Newport, which opened in May this year, is a global powerhouse across the UK. 

The owners of this branch in Gwent, Julie and John Mcilhiney have said they are so proud of the confirmed victory. 

Taking to their official social media to share the news, Julie wrote: "Bursting with pride! 
"Love what we do 

"Esquires Coffee has been successful in the Welsh Enterprise Awards 2024 this year, and has been awarded the Best Ethical Coffee Enterprise 2024 Wales

"A huge thank you to all of our employees, customers and the community for the support we have received."

The shop, part of an international brand first started in Canada in 1888, is one of two branches of this company in Wales, with over 60 other branches across the UK.

According to branch owner Julie Mcilhiney, Esquires really pride themselves on being a fully sustainable company that provides an upmarket approach to coffee and outstanding customer service.

This branch of Esquires was opened in January 2020 and is run by Mrs Mcilhiney and her husband John with a loyal crew of staff.

The team have had previous national award success, having been named 'Best Sustainable Café Chain in Gwent' at the Welsh Enterprise Awards in 2023. 

Sustainability has always been a point of pride with Esquires, their commitment to which has no doubt been a factor in this recent award win, with the official ceremony set to take place in November. 

 According to the website of award organisers SME News, the awards can have "numerous benefits".

They say: "By recognizing the dedication and hard work of these enterprises, SME News aims to elevate the profile of Welsh businesses on a national and international level!

"This initiative also seeks to encourage other businesses to pursue excellence and adopt best practices that can lead to sustainable growth and success.

"[The awards] provides a unique opportunity to gain recognition for your enterprise’s hard work and achievements, boosting your reputation within the industry and among customers.

"An award can enhance employee morale and attract top talent to your organisation. Additionally, the awards serve as a platform for networking and building connections with other industry leaders and professionals."