Funding For Indian Restaurant Spices Up Headingley

Alison White is a serial entrepreneur. After founding a successful research company, she tried something new by opening her own café-deli, White’s on Otley Road Headingley in 2014.

With her second venture thriving Alison snapped up an opportunity by taking on a vacant shopfront on the same street.

With a flexible approach and a willingness to test the market on the move, Alison decided to open an Indian restaurant. She got in touch with the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) who arranged a Start Up Loan for the new business.

“I looked at vacant property in the area and then decided what to do with it. I researched the people of Headingley and they were screaming for a good quality Indian restaurant. The area has been lacking one for over 20 years.” Alison said.

For assistance in creating a menu Alison connected with Michelin Star Indian chef Alfred Prasad to devise a menu. Authentic dishes include ‘railway potato curry’ inspired by food served on trains throughout India.

With expert backing, a standout name and atmospheric décor, The Cat’s Pyjamas Indian Restaurant is off to a flying start, with the colourful shop front attracting new customers as well as many regulars.

Alison has created 13 restaurant jobs, with aims to create more as plans to open a second restaurant are made.

“BEF were really easy and straightforward to work with, the loan was processed quickly and I immediately put it to work to open my restaurant” she said

“The Business Enterprise Funding has ignited a bustling business with huge potential” said BEF Investment Manager John Hall.

If you have what it takes to start a business venture, call Business Enterprise Fund today.

***Further images and information available on request***


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About Business Enterprise Fund

The Business Enterprise Fund is a social enterprise that lends money to businesses in West & North Yorkshire & the North East, who are unable to get lending from the banks. As a social enterprise there are no share holders – all profits generated are reinvested into the business.