Chapter 1. The Journey to Fossil Coffee Co.

I’ve always loved coffee—the smell, the taste, the little daily ritual that makes life feel just that bit more bearable. Running a coffee roasting business, however, was something I never really imagined for myself. Yet here I am, Fossil Coffee Co. slowly taking shape: the roasting workshop is nearly ready, branding and packaging almost finalised, social media accounts coming together, and we’re just about ready to go. Excitement and terror exist in roughly equal measure, and that feels entirely appropriate.

Before this, my world was very different. I spent years in the corporate technology sector, working in sustainability and management consulting. It was useful, sometimes inspiring—but it never gave me the same buzz I get from feeling truly invested in a project. The days were dominated by emails, meetings, and the occasional moment of nodding wisely while secretly wondering if anyone really knew what they were doing.

Last year, Meesh (my fiancée) and I spent six months travelling. That time away clarified what I truly wanted: a project that was entirely my own. On returning, I made the leap and took voluntary redundancy, deciding to start Fossil Coffee Co. from scratch. Risky, yes; a little reckless, perhaps; but the optimism I felt about building something of my own was impossible to ignore.

I’ll be honest: my experience in the professional coffee world isn't extensive. Mostly I’ve served it, occasionally fumbled it, and spent far too long admiring other people’s crema. But enthusiasm, curiosity, and stubborn determination can take you far, and my goal is to grow Fossil Coffee Co. organically, focusing on high-quality, honest coffee that puts smiles on faces. Transparency, craftsmanship, and authenticity are at the heart of everything we do.

There’s also the matter of logistics: we're selling up and heading back south from Manchester to Dorset. It’s stressful, undeniably, but it’s also the kind of challenge that makes the journey feel real, messy, and wonderfully human.

And the name? Fossil Coffee Co. comes from Dorset itself - the Jurassic Coast. Fossils are part of the landscape here, markers of history that last (hopefully a good omen!), but let's not count our chickens and all that...

At its core, Fossil Coffee Co. is about putting a face behind the name. I want you to know the story, the people, and what goes into every bag. I’d love for you to come along for the ride. Follow our journey, watch us learn, stumble, and grow, and be among the first to taste the coffee we’re so excited to share. Whether you’re a lifelong coffee lover or just someone who appreciates a good story, there’s a place here for you at Fossil Coffee Co.—and we can’t wait to meet you along the way.

Cheers, 

Will