Yorkshire fast food worker becomes Scottish burger boss with support from Clydesdale Bank

15 October 2015

A fast food worker from South Yorkshire has moved 400 miles to north-east Scotland after Clydesdale Bank helped him to achieve his dream of becoming a burger boss.

Amjad Shahzad, 49, from Rotherham, who has spent more than 20 years managing fast food restaurants, has long wanted to start his own business.

The father of three has now acquired a Wimpy franchise in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire with the support of a substantial funding package from Clydesdale Bank. The deal was delivered by Jason McLeod, Business Development Manager in the Bank’s Business Direct team.

Amjad has worked for a number of leading fast food brands, including KFC and McDonalds. His career includes an 18-year spell at Wimpy, where he learned the trade inside out.

Amjad said: “After spending most of my working life in the fast food industry, I really wanted to have my own place.

“Fraserburgh was a great opportunity as there are only a handful of Wimpy restaurants in Scotland. Wimpy used to be in every town in the UK but it had a few setbacks. Now it is picking up the pace across the UK again and I think there is fantastic potential for the Fraserburgh branch.

“Clydesdale Bank has been very supportive of my plans and agreed that Fraserburgh was a fantastic opportunity.

“In the short term, I’m planning a few minor improvements, but in the long term, with proper management I’m confident the business can grow.”

Jason McLeod said: “It’s always a pleasure to help people become self-employed but it has been especially rewarding to work with Amjad, who has spent so many years being in charge of fast food restaurants but not owing his own place.

“Our specialist knowledge of and focus on different sectors helps to bring a challenge to the market, giving small and medium sized business the support and flexibility they require to fulfil their growth ambitions.”

Business Direct offers free business banking for 25 months to start ups and established small businesses with a turnover of under £2 million who switch to Clydesdale Bank. See http://www.cbonline.co.uk/ or contact your local branch.