Federal, the Manchester-founded café and bar group, is preparing for a significant regional expansion across the UK after securing a £3.5 million investment from Foresight Group.

Founded in 2014 by Claudio Ribeiro, the Australian-style café concept currently operates five sites across Manchester and Leeds, employing more than 80 people. The new funding will support plans to open between 12 and 15 new locations by 2030, targeting major UK cities including Liverpool, York, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.

As part of the expansion, hospitality veteran Dame Karen Jones has joined Federal as Chairperson. Dame Karen, who has previously held leadership and board roles at Café Rouge, Hawksmoor, Deliveroo, and Whitbread, also worked with Foresight during its investment in Mowgli Street Food.

The investment follows Foresight's recent activity in the coffee sector, which included the sale of Nottingham-founded 200 Degrees Coffee to Caffè Nero Group.

Federal’s growth plans coincide with its shortlisting in two categories—the Great Service Award and Café or Coffee Shop of the Year—at the 2026 Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards. Management stated that the business will maintain its current supplier relationships, including its original coffee and bread partners, to ensure consistency across new sites.

Claudio Ribeiro, Founder and CEO of Federal, said: “Federal has always been about more than coffee and food. It’s about connection. A place where people feel genuinely welcome, where the team cares, the standards are high, and the energy is real. As we open in new cities, protecting that feeling is the whole job.

“Ten years in, we’ve built something we’re really proud of, alongside an incredible team and the customers who’ve been with us from the start. With Foresight’s support, we get to share Federal with more people across the UK. What our regulars already know is simple. A trip to Federal makes your day brighter. We want more people to feel that.”

Claire Alvarez, Partner at Foresight Group North West, added: “We’re excited to be backing Claudio and the Federal team at a defining moment for the business. The business has built something truly special, a loyal customer base, a culture people love being part of, and a quality of experience that’s ready to scale. Our experience in the hospitality sector, alongside the expertise Karen brings, puts us in a strong position to support Federal as it takes that experience to new cities. The regional growth opportunity here is real, and we’re proud to be part of the next chapter.”