To support an informed All Student Vote, the Students’ Union has been asked to provide clarification on some questions raised during the campaign period. Our role is to ensure students have clear, accurate information while remaining neutral on the outcome of the vote. We only publish information that is factual, accessible, and relevant to the issue being voted on to the best of our knowledge, and we apply the same approach to all campaigners. These clarifications are not commentary on campaign arguments, but a way of helping students understand the underlying facts so they can make their own decision.
1. Who runs Coffi Cwtch?
Coffi Cwtch and the Cwtch bar are run by the University. The University works in partnership with the Students' Union to try and make the services in the Students' Union building a positive part of the wider Student Experience.
2. Is it guaranteed that Costa Coffee will be replaced with another coffee supplier?
A ‘yes’ vote would not guarantee that Costa products would be replaced but would commit the Students’ Union to working with the University to replace them with a Welsh Brand. The University would then assess a range of factors, including the commercial viability of other Welsh coffee suppliers and the income required for Coffi Cwtch to remain financially viable.
3. How soon could Costa be replaced if the Vote outcome were a yes?
The Students’ Union would begin reviewing replacement options as soon as possible. However, while we recognise that students will want to see change happen quickly, the process may take time. Even if an alternative is identified, implementation could still be delayed by practical requirements such as updating equipment, using or replacing existing stock, changing signage, and arranging staff training. Throughout this period, we would keep the policy page on the website updated with actions taken and provide clear communication about what is or isn’t happening and why.
4. If the Cwtch were to move away from Costa towards a Welsh brand, would it be able to serve Frappes and Seasonal drinks?
University Commercial Services have said that the current range of seasonal drinks and frappes is linked to Costa products. It is our understanding that if a Welsh coffee brand were adopted, the full existing range of drink options might not be available as is in place now. However, if it is commercially viable to use a Welsh supplier, it may still be possible to offer a smaller selection of seasonal drinks and a frappe, though this range could be more limited than what is currently provided in Coffi Cwtch.
5. With the Arts Centre selling Coaltown, would it be possible for the Cwtch to also sell Coaltown on a permanent basis?
Yes, it is possible. The fact that the product is currently sold by the Arts Centre would not prevent it from also being sold in the Cwtch. However, the University would review the available options for a Welsh coffee brand for Coffi Cwtch. This review would include Coaltown, but another supplier may ultimately be selected depending on factors such as purchase cost and the price at which it can be sold while maintaining a sustainable profit margin and keeping it affordable for students. The Students’ Union would also support research on this and support the best product and pricepoint for students.
6. If the replacement coffee supplier makes less money, will students lose their jobs, and will clubs have less funding?
If a Welsh coffee supplier were more expensive, required higher selling prices, sold in lower volumes, or reduced income in other ways than Costa products, then Cofi Cwtch could reasonably review its operating hours and/or consider overall viability. Any reduction in hours would mean fewer student staff shifts, so jobs could be affected.
7. Is it possible for Club and Society Sponsorships to be affected?
While the Students’ Union runs Student Clubs and Societies, the Cwtch sponsors some student groups directly. If income was reduced then it is reasonable to consider that Cwtch sponsorships of Clubs and Societies could be affected
8. How involved is Costa coffee as a supplier?
Cwtch Coffi uses Costa coffee products such as coffee beans, hot chocolate and syrups from and uses their point of sale assets such as banners and menus. There is no contract or income share agreement in place with Costa. Therefore Costa isn’t involved any more than a Supermarket would be involved if they bought coffee from there. This is how we were able to work with the University to ensure provision of a Guest local Welsh Coffee which is currently Coaltown.