Online radio a sound move

BEANSCENE, the Scottish coffee bar chain, has launched an online radio station as it continues its evolution into a broader-based entertainment group. The move follows the launch of the firm’s own record label, Luna Records, in October, which allows users to buy albums online or download songs over the internet. Founder Gordon Richardson said the station, called "the scene", is driven by "mood" rather than genre and will support new and emerging talent. He said: "With Beanscene generating a footfall in excess of 10,000 customers per week, our research clearly indicates that there is a genuine demand for an adult-orientated, album-driven, edgy yet accessible online radio format. "Energised and uplifting at all times, the scene’s approach to scheduling adds up to mainstream with bite, committing effective airtime to a hugely eclectic cross-section of artists and styles."

The station will be subscription-based, with the first week available free on a trial basis via beanscene.co.uk and subsequently charged at either £5 per month or £50 per year. Payment can be made online via direct debit. Meanwhile, Mr Richardson said uptake of Beanscene’s wireless internet access, launched last year, has been "significant" since the service was rolled out across the firm’s six outlets, including two in Edinburgh. The WiFi technology enables users of laptop and handheld computers to access their e-mail and favourite websites at high speed within public "hotspots" such as airport lounges, hotel lobbies and coffee shops.

Beanscene has five directly owned branches and recently opened a franchise operation in Glasgow’s Battlefield area. The total number of sites is expected to rise to ten by the end of this year, and Mr Richardson said the four new outlets would include one in St Andrews and further branches in Glasgow and Edinburgh.