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A Costa Coffee franchise employing over 330 people at around 40 stores across the North has big plans to expand after receiving a seven-figure funding package from HSBC.

Sim Trava, which was established in 2005 and has shops around Greater Manchester, Cheshire and the North East, said the funding allowed it to refit all sites to ensure they meet Covid-secure standards, and will protect its long-term future.

With 334 employees and 39 stores, the firm, which opened its first in Northwich, has plans to increase that number over the coming years.

Simon Vardy, managing director, said: “After a difficult period of trading for the business through the Covid-19 crisis, we have now recovered enough to be in a strong position to continue with our plans to expand next year.

"The funding from HSBC º£½ÇÊÓƵ has been crucial in making our stores as safe as possible throughout these difficult times.”

Mr Vardy formed the franchise along with wife Tracy, with the company currently trading as Costa Coffee under a franchise partnership with Coca Cola. The company's 39th and latest store is based at the Trafford Ski Centre in Manchester, with all food distributed from Trafford Park.

Zubayr Atcha, corporate relationship director at HSBC º£½ÇÊÓƵ, added: “It has been a testing number of months for the food and drink industry.

"However, Sim Trava is a great example of a business that has successfully navigated the Covid-19 crisis so far and we now look forward to seeing the company recover and continue to grow across the North of England with the backing from HSBC º£½ÇÊÓƵ.”