Durham couple scoop up £98k enterprise loan for new franchise

Adil and Saira Malik are opening an Icestone Gelato franchise in Durham after securing an Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) loan from HSBC UK.

By joining the Yorkshire-based Icestone Gelato franchise business, the husband and wife team will finally be able to realise their lifelong ambition of owning a dessert shop, which will create 15 part-time jobs.

The loan, part of a HSBC UK £130m lending initiative designed to help SMEs, has allowed the couple to refurbish the franchise site at the city’s Riverwalk Shopping Centre development, as well as install industrial freezers and fridges.

Speaking about the launch, franchisee owner Saira, said: “My husband and I are excited to begin this new venture together. It’s always been a dream of ours to own a dessert shop and Icestone Gelato was the perfect brand for us to invest in.”

She continued: “With support from our relationship manager at HSBC UK, Erum Farooq, we are well-placed to succeed and grow the business.”

David Slane, HSBC UK area director for business banking in Durham, added: “The Icestone Gelato franchising business has grown significantly in recent years, mainly due to its niche offering and high quality products.

“Adil and Saira clearly acknowledged this and are confident that, with their passion, they can make this venture a real success.”