Planet-focused coffee company Paddy & Scott’s welcomes the return of coffee expert, Kit Wilkin-Smith, after five years.

Kit, one of the most recognisable ‘gingers’ in the coffee industry, first joined Paddy & Scott’s back in 2014, working as a barista at their Bury St Edmunds café. After a year of perfecting his latte art for all to enjoy, he decided to fulfil his desire to travel the length and breadth of Australia. During this time, Kit added to his extensive coffee knowledge. Upon his return in 2016, an opportunity to rejoin Paddy & Scott’s presented itself, this time as Head of Coffee Excellence, where he trained the team and their partners to a high standard.

In 2018, Kit was awarded an Acorn Award, with just 30 of these prestigious awards being given to under 30s for recognition of their skill and drive in the industry. His ambition and love for the coffee industry is unwavering. A year later, continuing in the same vein, the SCA-qualified Kit decided to depart Paddy & Scott’s once again to further his career and explore the technical side of coffee, including machine installation, cupping, and roasting.

Jonathan Reed, CEO at Paddy & Scott’s, says: “I just love seeing great people come back into our world and Kit is one of the best! We’re all about encouraging people to take their own path and if that means going elsewhere to further their ambitions, we’ll support them. Kit is an amazing guy and I’m so proud he wants to come back and be part of our story once again. We’re building one of the best companies around and in wanting to use commerce as a force for good, we need people like Kit with amazing values to help lead the charge."

Kit Wilkin-Smith adds: “What an amazing opportunity to return to the company where my coffee journey began. Paddy & Scott’s approach to the coffee industry is truly inspirational. I'm excited to join the team and make a difference.”

Paddy & Scott’s are renowned for adopting a different approach to business. This is exemplified in the way they farm coffee but also extends to the management of their team. By investing in humans and providing them with the flexibility and ownership to mould their roles individually, it ensures an environment where people can flourish and make the world a better place.

Paddy & Scott’s has experienced a big shake-up. 2024 started with a positive management buyout by CEO Jon Reed and Operations Director Zoe Hill. They believe that with the best people, anything is possible. With a strong manifesto in place and a team fuelled with ambition, they can hang their ‘wings’ with pride as they challenge the status quo in an industry challenged by the environment and exploitation. Believing that a simple cup of coffee can make a tangible difference by empowering coffee farmers and their communities is a good place to start.

Let’s raise a cup to new beginnings, as Kit returns to Paddy & Scott’s Ambition House this September to support the wider team and lead them into an exciting future.

Keen to read more? Take a peek at paddyandscotts.shop/pages/about-us to see exactly how they are setting a precedent in the coffee industry.