Coffee giant Starbucks has chosen the UK as the location for its first-ever franchised outlet.

The company’s UK managing director, Kris Engskov, said the inaugural franchise will be opened “in the south of England” by the end of 2012.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Engskov added that the franchise expansion is “significant” for Starbucks, and confirmed that the firm is already talking to prospective UK franchisees.

When asked why Starbucks had chosen to base its first franchise in the UK, Engskov said: “Britain is by far the most competitive espresso market in the world – particularly in London. So you have to be open to exploring every lever."

Starbucks has enjoyed 10 successive quarters of growth in the UK and Ireland, and believes the UK’s enduring infatuation with coffee offers solid prospects for continued expansion.

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