Cool idea helps Blackpool business get started

A couple from Blackpool got more than they bargained during their holiday – sun, sea, sand and an idea for a brand new business.

Michael Conlin and Hayley Welch-Conlin were enjoying their dream trip of a life time in Hawaii and loved the island’s sunshine, beautiful greenery and golden sands.

And while enjoying island life they also discovered their favourite way to cool down and rehydrate on a warm day was with the local favourite, shaved ice, also known as “snow cones”.

The sweet treats were so popular that shops were always bustling with queues.

And it was those queues that set the couple’s minds racing and wondering if they could bring the tropical treat back to Blackpool.

 To get some extra encouragement, Hayley attended Blackpool Council’s “Get Started” project – part of the start-up Lancashire service supported by European Regional Development Fund – to get help and advice on what to think about when starting a business from scratch.

It was then that “Sno Fro” was born.

Offering multi-flavoured and multi-coloured ice treats to big kids and little kids alike, the Sno Fro mobile business is now just beginning to spread its wings.

Hayley said: “Starting up Sno Fro has been a great way to keep a special part of that holiday with us forever”

“Bringing the shaved ice business idea home with us has been great fun and we hope this can grow from a great weekend hobby into a full-time or seasonal business sometime soon.”

“Learning about how to run a business with Get Started was key and we’re really excited for the adventure.”

Sno Fro will now be coming to an event near you soon and may be spotted out and about as Michael and Hayley test their idea across Blackpool.

They have already secured spots at various events locally and further afield including Blackpool Cricket Club’s Alfresco festival and family fun day on 24 May.

Alan Cavill, Blackpool Council’s Director of Place, said: “The Get Started team continues to go from strength to strength and helps entrepreneurs like Hayley and Michael no matter how big or small the idea.

“They offer everything from advice and support to specialist courses in everything from accounting to marketing.

“There are Get Started businesses out there that are worth more millions and are employing large numbers of people so I would urge people, if they think they have what it takes to succeed in business, to give us a call.”

Blackpool Council is committed to helping aspiring entrepreneurs and has helped almost 1000 people start their own businesses over the last seven years through the Get Started scheme.

For more information on Get Started, please call 01253 477309.

For more information about Sno Fro, visit www.facebook.com/SnoFroLtd.