Posted:12-November-2026
Meet Stuart and Nika: The New Faces Behind Clear Brew Manchester North
In September, we welcomed an exciting couple, Stuart and Nika, to the Clear Brew network.
Based in Manchester, running the Manchester North region to include; Ashton-under-Lyne, Ramsbottom, Oldham and Rochdale, to name just a few, the enthusiastic pair are ready and raring to get stuck into their Clear Brew franchise.
We caught up with them after they had successfully completed their training week in Cornwall, to find out how they found everything and what their ambitions are for their Clear Brew business.
How did you find out about us?
Stuart: Well, I was just, one evening, scrolling through things like ‘businesses to buy in the Manchester area’, came across your (Clear Brew) listing and I thought ‘what is this’, clicked it, emailed you and then a couple days later, got an email back from you guys and then everything went from there really.
What is your background prior to taking on your Clear Brew franchise?
Nika: So, over the years, I’ve done a couple things, but my most recent one has been photography, which is completely different to what we’re doing now!
Stuart: Yeah, and I’ve got 20 plus years in IT integration, sitting in front of a desk, getting square eyes, so that’s me really – IT.
How did it feel taking on this line of work when your working backgrounds are so different?:
Stuart: I’ve been on the other side of the bar being a punter and a beer lover for many years, but in my role in IT I did have a lot of soft communication skills in talking to customers and being onsite to deliver IT systems, so that side of it being able to interact with customers does feel quite natural, I think we’ve both got the work ethic and we like being hands on. We both like the logic, the system is an A-Z way of working that we picked up quite easily.
Nika: And the idea of just going in and talking to people, really building connections and a good service, we want to do that, I really resonated with that.
How did you feel in the initial few days / months of getting to know about us (Clear Brew) and doing your discovery day?
Nika: Just the way you (Clear Brew) explained things, was great, speaking to a photographer who has no idea what this and that is, your explanation was really helpful, it will take a while to get used to and learn, but I feel I can ask and find out.
Stuart: Yeah, that’s it, I found any question is a good question with you guys, because we’ve got to learn, it’s important, we’ve got to have those lines clean, because if we don’t we’ll let the customer down, so we’ve got to get it out the way, ask the questions, get to know the team, find out how to do everything, and the whole team for those initial days, we just felt it, we knew we’d be fully supported.
Nika, you’ve mentioned you’ve done franchising before and had a negative experience, how did you bring yourself back to trusting a franchising opportunity again? And how did you both find your family and friends supported you through it all?:
Nika: Mistakes always happen, but when I spoke to you guys (Clear Brew), you had an answer to every question that we had, and it’s all, so far, turned out to be right, and the whole package you presented, you just proved it to me, and I could really trust that.
Stuart: And with regards to our friends and family, I would say anyone coming into it like we have, it’s good to have the support from the friends and family, particularly asking the tough questions like; ‘are you sure?, have you done your research?’, because it gets you thinking about it and realising it works, there’s nothing wrong with asking yourself those questions, you can then really think about things honestly. We wanted people to grill us, because it helps us to really know what we want, we had one person in particular say ‘well, it’s just cleaning, are you sure?’, and it really makes you realise things, it’s good support.
So you came down for your weeks training with us at our central office in Cornwall, how did you find it all? What were the ups and downs?
Stuart: I guess there are points you’re uncomfortable on site, because every site is different, and there might be something that catches you out a bit and it can put you on the back foot, but it’s a learning process, you get through those uncomfortable bits, because you know you’ve got the support and you will learn it eventually.
Nika: Yeah, I enjoyed the whole week.
Stuart: I particularly enjoyed when you (Nika), got wet from that barrel spraying! Not soaked, just a nice little splash.
Nika: I’ll get you back for that one! But really the team are a lovely bunch, so we really enjoyed getting to know everyone and starting off.
Stuart: Definitely, it has been great, I’ll miss being down here with you all, but I’m excited. As well from a customer basis, every venue we went into the customers were happy to see us, welcoming, saying ‘ah you’re with Clear Brew’, it really felt like you’re part of a community.
Finally, what are your next steps, what are your ambitions for the future?
Nika: well, we just want to get started with the customers, get established, start getting a good rapport
Stuart: We’re targeting about 8 customers and then checking in with you guys and seeing how we’re getting on, setting up socials, getting marketing out there, just all of it, we’re ready to really go for it and get making our mark!
Stuart and Nika have come from an unfamiliar background and have found a real exciting opportunity for them both to do something that has got them out of their comfort zone, knowing they have full support and commitment from the central team here at Clear Brew.
If you are looking for a change in your career and are thinking about franchising and how it could work for you and your life, then get in touch with our Franchise Development Manager, Ash, today and start the ball rolling!
Interested and want to know more about Clear Brew?
The Clear Brew profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
