Merseyside business opens second dessert house franchise

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17/01/2018

A Merseyside business has marked its first anniversary in Liverpool by opening in a second location.

Optimum Group, which operates a 26 Costa Coffee store franchise across the region, has launched its second Kaspa’s Gelato dessert house in St Helen’s Bridge Street, with a six-figure funding package from Yorkshire Bank.

Mark Bryan, Managing Director at Optimum Group, said: “We’ve had a very successful first year in Crosshall Street, Liverpool - the response and support from customers of all ages has been fantastic and we were keen to build on this momentum by opening in a new location.

“There were several excellent locations we considered for expansion and we decided on St Helen’s as it’s a busy town, with good investment, access and shopping. We opened towards the end of 2017 and we are already trading above expectations. We also added to our team, welcoming 30 new members of staff to Kaspa’s Gelato.”

Yorkshire Bank’s Commercial team has worked with Optimum Group for five years and has provided a range of funding packages to ensure its growth and development.

Mark added: “We are really keen to quickly maximise the opportunity we have in this sector – it’s a niche market with few brands operating in outlying towns in the region. We are growing quickly and it’s great to have Yorkshire Bank on that journey with us.

“I am a real advocate for the Bank and its customer and goal focus – I can’t speak more highly of Mike Scott and the team. We have really got to know our banking team, they understand our business and I greatly value their advice and support. In my 20 years’ experience, I have not seen such support and confidence from a Bank.”

Optimum Group has transformed a 400,000 sq ft unit on Bridge Street which has been empty for some time. Kaspa’s Gelato is offering customers fresh, made to order food in a safe, alcohol-free environment.

Mike Scott, Commercial Relationship Manager, at Yorkshire Bank, said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Mark and the team at Optimum Group as they expand the business. The success they have seen in the last 12 months has been outstanding and we look forward to continuing to build on this.

“The introduction of Kaspa’s Gelato to St Helen’s has already transformed that part of the town and the initial reaction is extremely encouraging for the business. The Bank is passionate about working with SMEs – we have £2bn of new lending available for growing small business in 2018 and helping SMEs reach their full potential.”