About

The Joy Brands Story

Joy Brands was created in January 2022 after successfully being awarded a Franchise Launch Partnership with Pret A Manger UK Ltd. Joy Brands is a subsidiary of The Chesterford Group.

“Working with Pret A Manger to grow both our businesses is going to offer our hard working teams so many incredible opportunities to further their careers with us.

Pret A Manager is a brand that we have long admired for it’s quality of food and coffee, the consistently and high standards of service and most importantly, the outstanding people culture is has created. Having the opportunity to work alongside Pret to bring “Pret To The People” and offer great quality, fresh, food on the go where the choices are so limited on British regional high streets, creates an amazing opportunity to grow both of our businesses.

We are busy securing new locations for Prets in Cambridgeshire, Essex & Hertfordshire and have ambitious plans to open more shops in the coming months and years, creating opportunities for our hard working teams to grow and develop their careers with us”

James Lipscombe, CEO

Directors

James LipscombeCEO

James started his career in 2000 when he joined the Chesterford Group and has held a host of positions throughout the business. He was promoted to Managing Director in 2011 and then to Chief Executive Officer in April 2020.

James is spear-heading the Pret A Manger rollout for Joy Brands.

Hugh LipscombeChairman & Founder

Hugh is founder of The Chesterford Group having started the business in 1971 with one store. He is the most successful retailer in the industry creating a multi million pound business through grit, determination and a passion for developing people into leaders.

He is passionate about creating a learning environment that first and foremost puts its people first.

Paul Goodgame Managing Director

Paul has immense experience of working in fast-paced food-to-go environments. In April 2020 Paul was promoted to Managing Director of the Group to lead and implement its next stage of growth.

Tomasz BojkoDirector

Tomasz started his career in Hospitality in 2004 and joined Joy Brands in May 2022. He understands the complexity of the industry and is passionate about providing exceptional customer service as well as being very skilled in identifying and developing new business ideas. Outside of work Tomasz is a qualified UEFA Coach, working with young people.

Steve WallmanGroup Financial Controller

Steve is a qualified accountant, that has extensive experience within the hospitality and retail sectors having worked with Gregg’s as Financial Controller with responsibility over a large retail estate of 180 + shops as well as senior finance roles at restaurant groups such as Valentina Fine Foods, Ralph & Russo, Bonnie & Wild and most recently as a Consultant for Williams Stanley & Co. Steve is highly accomplished and has vast experience designing and implementing commercial roadmaps to ensure business success.