Civic Award for Nick and Stokes Tea and Coffee
Stokes Tea & Coffee CEO Nick Peel and his multi-faceted business have been chosen the joint winners of the Lincoln Civic Award for 2025.
Nick received the silver obelisk from Mayor Lincoln, Cllr Alan Briggs, at the city’s historic Guildhall after being chosen by the award’s Trustees who received stand out nominations for both the business and its leader.
Guests, including the civic party and Nick’s family, attending the ceremony heard from Lincoln Civic Award Trustees’ chairman Henry Ruddock: “This is an incredible achievement. I am particularly pleased to see a family business, which dates back to 1902, win the award.
“Sustainability featured prominently in the nominations, along with the number of people employed. More importantly, the way they are cared for was also mentioned. I really think that is important.
“People spend a lot of time at work and what they experience is crucial to their wellbeing and the success of the company,” he added.
“It was also interesting to hear that Nick is taking Stokes forward to BCorp recognition, which means changing the articles of the company to reflect, not just the interests of the shareholders which is the traditional stance, but to include the interests of society, employees, suppliers and others, not to mention the whole point of the business, the customers.”
Nick said: “I’m blown away to receive this award. It is a real honour. As a family business since 1902, we have grown to employ more than 100 people. We have coffee shops at The Lawn in Lincoln, on the city’s High Bridge, in Newark and at Welton.
“We also have a stall in Lincoln’s newly revamped indoor market. We employ people who are working in catering, our office, part of our technical and engineering teams, training and sales.”
Nick is also proud owner of the Art-Deco influenced Charlotte House Hotel on The Lawn site, which has recently undergone major renovation works.
Pictured Above
Nick Peel (left), great grandson, of founder Robert Stokes, accepts the Civic Award from Mayor of Lincoln Cllr Alan Briggs with Mayoress Wendy Mager, Sheriff Brian Harding and Sheriff’s Consort Mark Morley