ONE of Newport's sweetest business success stories is about to receive another layer of icing.

Gemelli's Desserts is shifting its confectionery production from Kings Lane to larger premises on Enterprise Park (off Enterprise Way).

Once established at the council-owned, 250 sq m facility, the workforce is expected to double from nine to 18.

The Gemelli business is based on a range of spectacular cakes and desserts.

It was founded in Kings Lane by Italian twins Sergio and Pasquale Cinotti in 1996. (Gemelli is the Italian for twins.)

The firm has a retail outlet in Bridge Street, a UK-wide distribution network and an export plan focused on Belgium.

Pasquale Cinotti said: "We needed bigger premises to expand our production and pursue new ideas.

"We're undertaking a complete refurbishment of the new unit because food production requires very high standards and the facility must also impress the clients who come to visit us."

Sergio and Pasquale arrived in Newport to study English, but liked the area so much they decided to stay. They were born into their trade, being the sons of a self-employed baker from Naples, who raised his family in Caserata.

In 2000 the twins saw an opportunity to develop retail sales in Newport and bought the shop beside the railway bridge in Bridge Street.

The window displays at this establishment have frequently been a talking- point among the city's sweet-toothed shoppers.

And Sergio and Pasquale's passion for their business will be appreciated nationally when they become TV chefs this autumn.

Newport council has assisted Gemelli's development with several grants, the latest being a "substantial" property refurbishment grant at Enterprise Park to upgrade the interior of the unit.

Enterprise Park is owned by the council and the authority will now become the twins' landlord.

The refurbishment grant - which can be worth up to £20,000 - is available in six designated improvement areas around the city. It can apply to interior or exterior works.

To find out more about it contact the council's Business Services Team on 01633 232543.