'Next chapter': Leeds cafe chain Federal reveals major regional expansion plans after £3.5m investment

The business currently employs more than 80 people across five sites in Leeds and Manchester but is now aiming to open in a further 12 to 15 locations by 2030 in locations including York, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

It comes after the firm secured backing from SME investor Foresight Group, whose previous investments include Mowgli Street Food. Hospitality guru Dame Karen Jones, who helped grow Mowgli from three to 14 sites, has become Federal’s new chair as part of the investment deal.

Claudio Ribeiro, Founder and CEO of Federal, said: “Federal has always been about more than coffee and food. It’s about connection. A place where people feel genuinely welcome, where the team cares, the standards are high, and the energy is real. As we open in new cities, protecting that feeling is the whole job.

“Ten years in, we’ve built something we’re really proud of, alongside an incredible team and the customers who’ve been with us from the start. With Foresight’s support, we get to share Federal with more people across the UK. What our regulars already know is simple. A trip to Federal makes your day brighter. We want more people to feel that.”

Claire Alvarez, Partner at Foresight Group North West, added: “We’re excited to be backing Claudio and the Federal team at a defining moment for the business. The business has built something truly special, a loyal customer base, a culture people love being part of, and a quality of experience that’s ready to scale.

"Our experience in the hospitality sector, alongside the expertise Karen brings, puts us in a strong position to support Federal as it takes that experience to new cities. The regional growth opportunity here is real, and we’re proud to be part of the next chapter.”