TWO Worcestershire brothers are helping to shorten the county’s dole queues.

After successfully establishing a Subway store in Barnard’s Green, Malvern, earlier this year, which created 15 jobs, James and Jonathan Osborne have now opened a Pizza Hut delivery business in Warndon Villages, Worcester, creating work for another 25 people.

The brothers, who have both won awards while managing businesses in Worcestershire, have more than 14 years’ of experience between them working for franchise businesses and decided earlier this year to become entrepreneurs themselves. James and Jonathan invested firstly in a Subway franchise and now a Pizza Hut delivery, both with the support of NatWest Business Banking. The opening of their Pizza Hut delivery in the Berkeley Shopping Centre, Warndon Villages, will now mean the pair are providing work opportunities for 40 people in their businesses. The news of the brothers’ new Pizza Hut delivery reflects findings from the NatWest/British Franchise Association survey, which says 93 per cent of all franchising units in the Midlands are making a profit. With the industry being worth a record £10.8 billion, the lure of franchising as an attractive business venture has never been greater.

James Osborne said: “Jonathan and I are really excited about owning two different franchise businesses in Worcestershire and having created 40 jobs locally. We’ve both worked as managers of franchise businesses in the past so we could see the benefits of having our own businesses. Our Subway store has proved to be a success and all the signs are looking great for our Pizza Hut delivery, which also offers collection from areas just outside Worcester.”

Vanessa Smith, NatWest senior business manager, added: “James and Jonathan have shown what can be achieved when you have the support of a good franchisor and bank. I’m absolutely delighted that NatWest has been able to help them realise their business dreams.”