When it comes to serving coffee, Goldex knows a thing or two.

Goldex Investments Group Ltd in Southfleet is the largest Costa Coffee franchise in the UK trading 46 stores across Essex, Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

Last year 12 new stores opened and by the end of this year there will be 15.

One of the challenges has been opening stores in areas where chains are not welcome. The company gears each outlet towards its particular location, so one in a busy area will always be structured differently to a one in a small village which may contain a garden or conservatory area.

With 499 employees, the company is dedicated to Costa’s mission of “saving the world from mediocre coffee” and strives to uphold its exceptional brand standards.

From an environmental perspective, all Costa’s coffee is 100 per cent Rainforest Alliance certified and the paper cups are some of the most eco-friendly in the world.

To ensure only the very best cuppa is served, the company provides structured training for its staff.

New members, including students and apprentices, go to the Goldex Coffee Academy so they are all trained to the same standard.

This means that a guest could go to any of Goldex’s stores and know they are going to receive the very best cup of coffee.

Goldex is big on supporting charity. Director Kafeel Khan said: “On an international scale we have donated to many worthwhile causes such as the Nepal Earthquake Appeal, the Palestine Flood Victims’ Appeal and the Philippines Typhoon Appeal.

“Our staff can frequently be found at the tops of mountains and at the start lines of marathons. Every year we launch a ‘fundraising summer’ for the Costa Foundation which gives something back to coffee growing communities by providing young boys and girls with an opportunity for education.

“So far in 2015, we have raised £18,319.41 for charity and with a few events already planned we are looking to donate even more. At Goldex we are a family who work together, fundraise together and grow with the business.

“There are many events and competitions for our baristas such as the Goldex Latte Art competition 2015 and each of our staff is encouraged to take an active role within the local community.”

The company is one of the contenders for this year's Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards, which are now in their 10th year.

They are supported by the Messenger, and each entrant gets a free profile in our papers and on our website.

This year’s award sponsors are Dartford council, Gravesham council, Barnes Roffe, Kent Business School (University of Kent), the KM Group (Dartford Messenger and Gravesend Messenger), Lloyds Bank, Thomson Snell and Passmore, Edinburgh House, University of Greenwich and Mid Kent College.

Entries have now closed. The winners will be announced later this year.