Assistant manager James Oakes knows how to make the perfect cup of coffee, and that’s official.
James, an employee at Costa Coffee in Grimsby, has fought off competition from hundreds of others to win the title of Assistant Manager of the Year at the 2012 Costa Awards.
He said: “I didn’t expect to win and to be honest, I never thought I would be nominated.
“I take pride in my work and really enjoy what I do. I really love my job and it is good to get some recognition for all the hard work I have put in.
“The secret to making a good cup of coffee is to enjoy making it and to take your time. Making a hot drink is an art and it shouldn’t be rushed.”
Costa’s retail development manager, David Padbury, said: “I was delighted to nominate James and his victory could not be more justified.
“His skill and dedication at two popular Costa Coffee shops has been phenomenal and he continues to be an indispensable support to the store managers at Freshney Place and Scunthorpe.
“This is a highly prestigious award and James has a very bright future ahead of him.”
Amanda Austin, director at the Freshney Place Centre, said: “I’d like to say a huge congratulations to James from myself and the rest of the centre management team.
“The Costa Awards are well known in the retail industry and the fact that James has been recognised for his hard work just goes to show how high the standard of service is at the centre’s Costa branch.”