DAVID JOHNSTON

He was a man with a mission to bring a Scottish presence into the ultra-competitive world of coffee culture.

Gordon Richardson started selling coffee from a single cart and he went on to head up the country's trendiest chain of cafes, Beanscene, which brought a touch of bohemian coffee culture to Scotland.

But yesterday, the taste went sour when boardroom divisions caused Mr Richardson to leave the company with "immediate effect".

"There was a difference of opinion in terms of the future direction of the business," he said.

Beanscene prides itself on being an "organic brand". It boasts connections with local bands and encourages live music in its cafes.

However, in trying to bring a stylish aspect of American culture to Scotland, it was American chains such as Starbucks or their British equivalents such as Cafe Nero that hit Beanscene's profits, mainly by providing far cheaper drinks.

Mr Richardson said yesterday: "Beanscene is an organic brand and that has made it hard to fund over the last nine years."

Mr Richardson's departure came straight after a £350,000 refinancing deal was agreed to safeguard the business, with company director Alan Stewart personally investing a "substantial amount" of money.

Mr Stewart was bullish about the future of the company yesterday.

He said: "Beanscene needed a stronger balance sheet to take things forward and we are looking at our options.

"The refinancing deal will give the company a solid base to build on and secure its future. We have agreed leases on a number of units but have still to fit them out."

Last year Beanscene, which employs 150 staff in its 14 branches, announced plans to open up to 45 shops and smaller Espresso units over the next three years.

The brand also includes its own record label, Luna Records, as well as an internet radio station, dealing mainly with independent and up-and-coming artists.

A spokesman for Beanscene said that the investment from Mr Stewart would help the business progress in the future.

"These funds were invested so as to enable the business to meet its obligations to creditors, secure the jobs of the employees and provide a sound foundation for the business to move forward,"

he said.

"Beanscene is now in a secure financial position to allow it to continue to trade and plan for future expansion."

Mr Richardson, a former manager with Macdonald Hotels and Allied Brewers, said he will keep his shares in the company but will also pursue new business ventures.

He said: "I look forward to working on new dynamic projects and enjoying the Beanscene brand as a shareholder.

"I am already looking to launch my next project which will combine live music with a licensed cafe bar.

"We are looking to open in Glasgow and Hamilton initially and have sourced potential sites."