our story

Neil Clark has been in the coffee industry for the past 14 years now.  Having worked as a chef in Hotels in London, Harrods, Knightsbridge and Scotland he decided a change was in order.  His next career moved saw him leap him into a sales manager role with Stella Artois, where he worked for a number of years.  After redundancy and a short spell at home with his new-born son he fell into the world of coffee.  Working for 5 years with the Scottish roaster Matthew Algie, so this is where his love for the little beans began. He loved the range of possibilities this little bean can deliver. Neil managed a team of 7 sales people.  Dealt with some prestigious customers, but all the time still delivering excellent customer service.

After working at the coal face of the industry Neil then joined Marco Beverage Systems.  Throughout his time with them he gained experience of manufacturing and equipment supplies to the sector.  He worked for Marco for many years before setting up Hessian Coffee Bishops Stortford with his business partner in 2014.

Neil says, “Hessian was formed to deliver all the services, products, training & education required in the coffee industry. We wanted to offer the same honesty and reliability that I have offered previously to my customers.  It’s all well and good having coffee but you need to have the support and relationships with your supplies for everyone to succeed”.

Neil has also been involved with the BSA (Beverage Standard Association) and the SCAE (Speciality Coffee Association of Europe).  He also has been part of driving standards into the industry, delivering educational courses and judging at the UK Barista championships

Neil is married, has 3 boys, is a qualified rugby coach.  He gives  a lot of time to the development of mini’s and youth players in the sport. Just when you thought Neil couldn’t offer any more he was also voted Mr Sussex Beach in 1978!