Ambitious brothers snap up Preston Subway stores

TWO entrepreneurial brothers have expanded their Subway sandwich stores franchise by purchasing another two outlets in Preston.

Mark and Simon Ledwick have bought the city centre Subway store on Fishergate and an outlet on Deepdale Retail Park for an undisclosed sum. 

Following the latest purchases, which has been supported by an Enterprise Finance Guarantee loan from NatWest, the duo now own 11 stores across Lancashire and Cumbria.  
       
Mark and Simon launched their business three years ago with the purchase of the Subway franchise in Workington and quickly expanded by opening additional Cumbrian stores in Carlisle, Barrow in Furness and Whitehaven. 

In May last year they acquired three outlets in Lancaster with support from NatWest.       

Mark is a former management consultant and has also taught English in Madrid while Simon is a former bar manager.

Mark Ledwick said: “We are keen to grow the franchise by acquiring quality stores in prime retail locations and both Preston stores are well established and have a loyal customer base. 

“This is our first move into the city and we look forward to welcoming both existing and new customers.” 

Subway was founded by Fred DeLuca and Dr Peter Buck in Connecticut in 1965. 

The chain has expanded rapidly and has over 30,000 stores operating in 91 countries.

The NatWest Business & Commercial banking team based on Fishergate, in Preston, provided funding for the acquisitions. 

Relationship manager Craig Sharp said: “Since launching three years ago Simon and Mark have shown strong business acumen to successfully establish and run a network of stores across Lancashire and Cumbria.  Once again we are happy to support their expansion plans.”