Sim Tra Va hungry for more after milestone opening

AN enterprising Manchester couple specialising in running food and drink franchises are hungry for growth after reaching a milestone this week.

Simon and Tracey Vardy from Altrincham have opened their 20th Costa Coffee store, and have plans to more than double this number over the next five years.

Their business, Sim Trava, also operates Pita Pit food restaurants, and has created more than 275 jobs in the region since its launch in 2004.

The new Costa Coffee store opened in Openshaw, east Manchester on Tuesday and has created 10 jobs.

The Vardys’ growth plans for Sim Trava are supported by £2m finance package from HSBC’s Franchise Unit.

Managing director Simon Vardy, said: “We are an ambitious business. We started with a single franchise in Northwich 10 years ago, and are looking to grow significantly over the next five years.

“We have big plans, including working with HSBC, a finance partner who really understands our specific needs and the franchise industry itself.”

Tracy Vardy added: “We have 12 new Costa sites in the pipeline in the North West and North East – where we have three shops already.

“We have two Pita Pit shops in Manchester at Piccadilly Place and on Deansgate and we want to open more as well. We have just won a business award in Trafford, which we are delighted about and we are doing a lot of work on people development and training and also apprentices as well.” 

Andy Brattesani, HSBC’s head of franchising said: “One of the great benefits of the franchise model is that it is possible to operate a solo franchise or a sizeable chain.

“Simon and Tracy Vardy are a great example of what can be done in running a chain of franchises, including creating a significant number of local jobs. We have a long-standing relationship with Sim Trava, which makes it all the more pleasing to provide them with support that will help them in their next phase of growth.”