Caffè Nero is targeting Turkey, the Middle East and eastern Europe in an attempt to resurrect international expansion plans. The Times. Financial Times

Gerry Ford, founding chairman of the coffee bar group that was taken private a year ago in a £235m management buyout, said that hoped to sign up partners in two or three territories with a view to trialling stores in each.

Caffè Nero has also started to search for its first sites in Northern Ireland, where it will open three stores in Belfast early next year.

Caffè Nero has 327 UK stores and Ford plans to open 45 this year to add to the 48 last year.

The company has also set up a Nero Express cart business to target busy transport hubs, such as train stations and airports. Five carts trading to date and a further eight are expected soon.