Café group Friska, which was launched by two University of Bath graduates, has been named as one of the UK’s 50 fastest-growing and innovative businesses.
Economics graduates Griff Holland and Ed Brown started Friska in 2009 in Bristol and it has since grown from one to four restaurants around the city, including at the Bristol & Bath Science Park.
The firm is now in the Santander Breakthrough 50 – a national table of inspiring businesses.
Friska has ambitions to be a national chain operating from 50 cafes within the next seven to 10 years.
It focuses on serving fresh, interesting, responsibly-sourced food in a friendly and hospitable environment, both sit down and take away.
The Breakthrough 50, compiled by Santander Bank in partnership with Smarta, aims to uncover businesses that are transforming established industries, leading the entrepreneurial movement in the UK and inspiring others to grow and push the economy forward.
Other firms on the list include Pod Good Food and BrewDog. 
Friska co-founder Griff Holland said: “The recognition we have been receiving over recent months makes me really proud. We have a fantastic team who work incredibly hard to help the company grow and this is reflected by the success we have seen over the past few years.”
Pictured: Griff Holland and Ed Brown
Fellow co-Founder Ed Brown added: “To be rubbing shoulders with such industry game-changers is exceptionally exciting. We have worked hard to get to where we are so to be recognised for our achievements within this forum makes us incredibly proud.”
Friska has 40 staff and has achieved 40% growth year-on-year to earn it a turnover of £1.5m.
Griff and Ed have also been jointly shortlisted in the Young Director of the Year and Corporate Responsibility categories in the prestigious Institute of Directors (IoD) regional awards which take place at Bristol’s Paintworks on June 12 and are supported by Bath Business News.
