One of Kent's fastest-growing coffee chains has announced that it will paying all its staff the 'real living wage' under new plans drawn up by its owner, Louis Hurst.

The award-winning company HatHats, which started out with just a vintage coffee van, now has five outlets in Canterbury, Herne Bay, Whitstable and Faversham with others due to open soon.

Louis, 44, a serial entrepreneur from Whitstable, says he took the decision to implement the pay rise because of the impact the cost of living crisis was having on his staff.

"They are being impacted as well as businesses but they are also our most important asset," he said.

"We have always tried to pay over the national living wage, which used to be known as the minimum wage, but our latest increase will mean all our staff over 18 will receive the real living wage, a minimum of £10.90 an hour, as determined by the Living Wage Foundation.

HatHats commercial director Amy Walters added: ‘This has not been an easy decision to reach because while we have always had an aspiration to pay the real living wage it, has not always been possible with other pressures on the company.

"Like many in our sector we are faced with constant pressures with rising energy and supplier prices but believe by prioritising people we will be able to continue to expand by recruiting and retaining the best talent in Kent."

The award-winning company intends to fund the raise by putting up its prices slightly but maintains its coffees will still be cheaper than many of the large national chains.

Louis, who started the business with his wife Lisa in 2017 says his motto has always been that ‘a business that just makes just money is a poor business’.

"In 2022 we launched a new strapline ‘Together We Can’ and I genuinely believe that investing in our people now when they need it most will pay dividends in the longer term, especially as we try to deliver our bold growth plan."

HatHats Coffee currently operates sites in Reculver, Herne Bay Leisure Centre, The South Quay Shed in Whitstable, Herne Bay railway station as well as a Barista Academy at the Canterbury Academy.

It intends to open further outlets soon at Canterbury East and Deal railway stations.

It has almost 60 staff and expects to turn over £2.3 million this year.

It also has an events company operating a mobile coffee unit and a vintage coffee van.

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