Case Studies

Clackmannanshire ice cream business eyes up expansion into retail units

A Clackmannanshire based ice cream business is looking to expand into retail units.

8th October 2024

About the business

The family-run business prides itself on its freshly made artisan ice creams, which are all made on site. Penny Licks also has a range of sweet and savoury foods on offer, from sweet Belgian waffles and homemade strawberry tarts to savoury paninis and baguettes. 

As a small business owner, the support I’ve received from Business Gateway has been invaluable in helping my ice cream shop thrive. Their guidance has not only strengthened our foundation but has also given us the confidence to plan for further growth in the coming years.

How Business Gateway has helped

Over the last two years, Stephen has made use of range of Business Gateway’s start-up and growth business services to help Penny Licks develop and grow. This has included digital support to help with website development and search engine optimisation to help Stephen reach his target audience.  

Since launching, the business has won Business Gateway’s Dragons’ Den style competition, HEAT, and also won a gold and four bronze awards at the Royal Highland Show’s Scottish Ice Cream Championships in June. This marked the second year in a row that Penny Licks has won awards at the championships.  

Stephen now has plans to expand into four retail units over the next few years, and will work with Business Gateway throughout this period of growth.  

Stephen Sloper, Owner, Penny Licks, said: “As a small business owner, the support I’ve received from Business Gateway has been invaluable in helping my ice cream shop thrive. Their guidance has not only strengthened our foundation but has also given us the confidence to plan for further growth in the coming years.” 

Support Provided

1:1 Business Advice

Advice on Training/Hiring Workforce

Scottish Enterprise Support

Get the support you need right now

You can connect with us through the contact form, call us or contact your local Business Gateway office.