Although he has left his post as managing director after securing a refinancing deal to secure the future of the 15-outlet chain, he will remain a shareholder.

In a report today, Mr Richardson said there had been "a difference of opinion" over how to progress the business, which employs around 150 staff.

Company director Alan Stewart is said to have agreed to plough a "substantial" investment into Beanscene, which launched as a single outlet in 2000.

A Beanscene spokeswoman said: "These funds were invested so as to enable the business to meet its obligations to creditors, secure the jobs of the employees, and provide a sound foundation for the business to move forward."

Mr Stewart said that the refinancing would give the company "a solid base to build on and secure its future".

"Beanscene needed a stronger balance sheet to take things forward and we are looking at our options," he added.