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Leading family law firm makes significant hires for Manchester office

Appointments

Sam Whitear

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30/04/2020

Leading family law firm makes significant hires for Manchester office

In a key move designed to bolster the award-winning McAlister Family Law Children team, Melissa Jones has joined as associate and Charlotte Francis as assistant solicitor; both will be based in the firm’s Manchester offices.

Melissa brings to the role a wealth of experience, having been Head of the Family Department at IMD Solicitors where she specialised in provided legal advice and assistance for clients from migrant communities. Highly experienced in conducting divorce, financial and children matter cases with international elements, particularly cross-border issues,

Melissa has a vast amount of experience in dealing with all aspect of family law, and particularly children matters. She started her career at a specialist, niche firm dealing with legal aid matters and predominantly care proceedings, representing parents in the Family Court.

She is a member of Resolution and is committed to resolving family law issues in a constructive and positive manner; for those cases involving children matters, she encourages a child-focused approach, putting the needs of the children first.

Charlotte, who studied at Huddersfield University, achieved a Masters in Law and Practice, and qualified in August 2019. She has always specialised in Family Law, and has worked in various areas of that specialism, including private law children, and divorce and finances, always guiding clients to a result that would be beneficial for the whole family. Prior to joining McAlister Family Law, she held the position of solicitor at Makin Dixon Solicitors, an established niche firm specialising in Family Law matters.

She now focuses primarily on care matters, handling a varied caseload including domestic abuse, children issues and public law children matters.

McAlister Family Law, which has offices in Manchester city centre, throughout the North West, and London, has won multiple awards for its work; it is part of Manchester-based Beyond Group.

It is one of the very few firms in the country that specialises not only in divorce and family disputes, but also in children law. In 2018 it took a five-strong Children Law team from Slater and Gordon and a 10-person Child Care legal team from Stephensons, trebling the size of the business and creating a unique offering designed to be disruptive to traditional family practices in the North West.

Melissa said: “This is a very exciting move is for me, as the firm continues its rapid growth and increasing dominance of the family law market in the region. The firm’s reputation as experts in Children law is outstanding, and I am delighted to be able to join the firm as they build something very special in the industry.”

Charlotte said: “McAlister Family Law is a firm not only committed to divorce and related finance work but is also unique in its dedication to the welfare of children. Its work in taking care of those vulnerable members of society, who need legal representation in some of the most harrowing of cases, is one which really resonates with me and I am very pleased to be part of such an excellent team.”

Amanda McAlister, managing partner, added: “As a firm that is passionate about the welfare of children, we believe in recruiting only those people who share our vision and values, so we are delighted to welcome two such excellent solicitors to McAlister Family Law. Our Children law division is one of the most highly respected in the country, and I am confident that Melissa and Charlotte will make a significant contribution to the team.”

North West Agencies Join Forces to Raise Money with Marathon Relay

Sam Whitear

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30/04/2020

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North West Agencies Join Forces to Raise Money with Marathon Relay

Over 30 North West creative, marketing and digital agencies have teamed up to raise money during the Covid19 crisis, by running a marathon between each business in one day; Thursday May 7th.

Spearheaded by Oli Hopkinson, joint founder of digital marketing agency, Bind, and supported by the Agency Leaders Network, the initiative hopes to raise £10,000 which will be split between Forever Manchester and the Manchester University NHS Trust. £5,000 is the target for the agency group’s Just Giving page, which will be matched by the Hoppy Trust to make up the full amount.

Forever Manchester is helping the city’s most vulnerable during the Covid19 outbreak with food banks, mental health initiatives and check-ins for older people or anyone who needs a helping hand. The money raised for the Manchester University NHS Trust will be used to buy tablets for patients to speak to loved ones, as during the crisis, hospital visits have been banned, so the value of a video call during this time cannot be measured and will give comfort to many affected families.

Each agency will assemble a team who will run the marathon between them in a relay style race on the same day. Progress will be tracked and proven using a running app and all participants will have to submit their times and distance with a screen shot.

Oliver commented: “The effects of lockdown are being felt far and wide. We wanted to launch an initiative to support those in greatest need of help and to encourage folks to reach out to one another.

“As a proud Mancunian, Forever Manchester is a charity close to my heart and the Hoppy Trust is doing some amazing work to support those directly affected by this terrible illness, including raising money for the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

“We’d love for more agencies and businesses to get involved and make this initiative even bigger. Join us! Be a force for good for those who may be struggling with lockdown and compete in our race. If you don’t want to run, donate money via our Just Giving page, or donate an old tablet to the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. If any business leaders would like to submit a team and get running, they can contact me via agencyleadersnetwork@gmail.com

“The winning team will receive a pack of party rings and have nationwide bragging rights. The losing teams will receive positive vibes for getting involved, and for helping to raise some cash for those in need during this very difficult time.”

Steve Thompson, Founder of the Agency Leaders Network and MD of Forward Role, the North’s largest Marketing & Digital recruiter, commented: “The Agency Leaders Network was created in 2019 with the idea of creating a community to share best practice, collaborate on projects or problems and be a force for good in the north west region.

The group has grown quickly with over 50 agencies now involved across the creative, digital and marketing sectors. We are so proud to get behind the region with this initiative, so please dig deep to support us.”

Anyone can donate to the cause via the Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/agency-leaders-network

Fresh Perspective Resourcing unlocks NPIF & CBILS loan following a joined-up Lancashire approach

Finance

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29/04/2020

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Fresh Perspective Resourcing unlocks NPIF & CBILS loan following a joined-up Lancashire approach

Specialist social impact lender, GC Business Finance (GCBF) has provided a £35,000 Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF) loan using CBILS backing to recruitment agency Fresh Perspective Resourcing following a referral from Lancashire’s Access to Finance Team.

Lancashire-based Fresh Perspective was founded by sisters Emily and Laura with the aim to have a ‘fresh perspective’ on recruitment by guaranteeing to fill every vacancy they take on and charge clients for time rather than percentage placement fees. The business employs six people and operates across Lancashire and the North West, as well as nationally and internationally. Current clients span a range of sectors and include Anderton Centre, Guide Security and Heaton Group, all of which are actively recruiting in the current environment.

With the current pandemic affecting most industries, FP Resourcing knew they had to diversify in the face of COVID-19 planning to shift focus to those sectors that are currently thriving, and create virtual training for candidates and businesses through webinars, as well as working on social media and their own market visibility.

Determined to keep their staff fully employed and passionate about continuing to grow the business and trade effectively, the sisters approached Lancashire County Council for support in accessing funding having been unable to obtain CBILS funding from their bank. After recently participating in the new scale-up programme for female entrepreneurs Two Zero, Fresh Perspective were aware of the support offered across Lancashire and sought specialist financial advice through the Access to Finance team. Working with their advisor, they pulled together a comprehensive application package for CBILS funding and, despite being declined by the bank, were successful with their application to GC Business Finance.

Government backed alternative finance provider GC Business Finance, being specifically geared to support businesses unable to obtain mainstream lending, were able to offer the flexibility and understanding needed so that FP Recruitment could secure funding and withstand COVID-19 interruptions.

With the help of the £35,000 CBILS backed loan provided by NPIF – BFS & MSIF Microfinance, which is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, the company has been able to maintain its workforce rather than utilising the furlough scheme.

Laura Leyland, Founder and Managing Director of FP Resourcing said: “The loan has allowed us to continue the work we do and knowing we have the loan feels like a safety net in these troubling times. The process was really simple, and the team at Lancashire County Council and GCBF were extremely helpful in delivering the loan efficiently and providing sound advice.

“By creating webinars and social media content, as well as supporting clients in changing their interview processes digitally, we have been able to push our own visibility which will help the business positively going forward as we look to grow from this time.”

Raj Dehel, Senior Loan Manager at GC Business Finance said: “Emily, Laura and the team have a great business model in their approach to recruitment, which is why they are standing so strong in the current climate. We are proud to offer CBILS, working with the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund to support businesses in which receiving a loan is critical to safeguarding existing operations and securing their future growth.”

Sue Barnard, Senior Manager at the British Business Bank said: “We are pleased to see the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund support a family-run business alongside CBILS, which is aiming to really make a difference to its clients in these testing times. It’s great to see GCBF working closely with Lancashire County Council in order to help businesses in need and we continue to work with more businesses across the Northern region to support them in the current crisis.”

The company received support from Lancashire County Council’s Access to Finance service in receiving the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund loan. The service works with Lancashire businesses to assist them to raise finance.

Mark Gibbons, Senior Access to Finance Adviser said: “It’s great to see a Lancashire business be resilient in their approach during what is a tough time for all businesses. Working with Fresh Perspective Recruitment on their CBILS application, unlocking finance outside of the bank and supporting continued growth of a viable Lancashire business is at the heart of what we do.”

Lancashire County Councillor Michael Green, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Environment and Planning said: “Lancashire County Council are proactively and tirelessly working with our delivery partners and extended network to ensure Lancashire businesses can access the necessary support and funding during these unprecedented times to enable them to continue trading.

This is a great example of cross working between our Access to Finance team and GC Business Finance to ensure a Lancashire business, that under normal circumstances would be profitable and growing, is receiving support to adapt in these trying times. Also our Access to Finance team are on hand to further support and guide businesses in partnership with our Boost #AskForHelp campaign.”

GCBF is committed to supporting North West-based SMEs, providing CBILS loans to those that have been adversely affected by the coronavirus. GCBF is positioned to lend to businesses that otherwise couldn’t access funding from mainstream lenders in a fast and responsible approach to lending.

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.

New international collaboration support for MedTech

Business support

Sam Whitear

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29/04/2020

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New international collaboration support for MedTech

SMEs and start-ups developing medical devices in Greater Manchester have been boosted by a new and fully-funded support programme, which aims to bring healthcare innovations to market more efficiently through facilitated international collaboration.

The transnational MATMED programme, launched at the end of 2019, is already supporting Manchester MedTech firms to innovate with advanced materials for medical applications.

GC Business Growth Hub, part of The Growth Company, is one of 10 partner organisations delivering the programme across Europe, which offers Greater Manchester firms:

Free access to potential business partners, research bodies and investors through its easy-to-use transnational network
Voucher funding of up to €40,000 for specific collaborative projects, such as conducting product validation studies
Expert advice on the 2020 regulatory framework for medical devices.
QV Bioelectronics, a Manchester-based start-up developing electrotherapy devices for the treatment of brain tumours, has already accessed the full scope of support provided through MATMED.

Dr Chris Bullock, MD and Co-Founder of QV Bioelectronics, said:

“Bringing new MedTech innovations to market can be extremely challenging; we’re trying to make efficient progress with products that we know will eventually save lives, while overcoming major regulatory barriers – all without very much money available.

“As a company in the early stages of delivering a new medical technology, the MATMED programme has really helped with our initial research and development. The support on offer through the transnational network and advisors in Manchester has been invaluable.

“MATMED is currently funding a collaborative project between ourselves and a much more established company in Belgium, who are real experts in this arena. Being supported to access this unique international expertise has really accelerated our progress and growth.”

Yvonne Grady, Innovation Lead at GC Business Growth Hub said:

“We’ve launched the MATMED programme to help break down the barriers that prevent new medical innovations from reaching patients efficiently; like shortfalls in either early stage funding, expertise or specialist resources.

“Our growing transnational network is the only forum connecting MedTech firms with academia, investors, and healthcare experts specialising in this arena – helping them to accelerate innovations, validate new products and demonstrate technologies quicker”.

Greater Manchester-based firms using advanced materials for medical applications can access fully-funded support through the MATMED programme to nurture collaboration, commercialisation and funding opportunities, by visiting www.matmed.eu.

MATMED is an Interreg North-West programme funded by the European Commission.

Businesses looking to access specialist health and life sciences support can also visit www.businessgrowthhub.com for more information about GC Business Growth Hub’s extensive range of services.

The Alternative Board launches in South Manchester to support businesses during lockdown and beyond

Sam Whitear

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29/04/2020

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The Alternative Board launches in South Manchester to support businesses during lockdown and beyond

An experienced senior manager who led a multi-billion-pound operation is now offering his services to South Manchester businesses after launching The Alternative Board (South Manchester).

Mark Kane is launching The Alternative Board (South Manchester) in May to provide local businesses with management board-style support, advice and mentoring not normally available to independent SMEs and entrepreneurs.

Recognising that peer support can make a significant difference in ensuring that businesses continue to thrive through lockdown and beyond, The Alternative Board (South Manchester) will bring business owners and leaders of independently owned companies from non-competing sectors together in a group setting, similar to a board of directors, where they help each other to identify opportunities and solve challenges they each face in their own companies.

Prior to launching The Alternative Board (South Manchester), Mark worked in financial services for almost 20 years, principally as a senior manager in an investment management company, managing an ISA plan that was worth several billion pounds, and responsible for an investment helpdesk which administered investments for clients worth hundreds of millions of pounds.

He ran numerous operational teams of all sizes through periods of great change, achieved an Executive MBA through Keele University, served on the board of trustees of the company pension scheme as a company nominated trustee, and was the operational lead for an award winning online discretionary investment service.

Originally from Dublin, he moved to the UK in 2005 after meeting his wife, an NHS doctor. The couple have two girls and live in Cheshire.

Launching The Advisory Board (South Manchester) is a way of sharing his experiences and skills, he said.

“From talking to many other business owners, I know there are many leaders out there who are feeling isolated, anxious, and alone. I want to contribute and be a real help to owners and leaders who need a hand not only with their challenges, but also with the opportunities that will present themselves over time.

“This is a particularly difficult time for everyone but I have full faith in the support offered via TAB, in our process and what we can deliver.

“I am also hugely positive about the prospects for businesses in South Manchester. Businesses in the area will grow, develop and come out of this period much stronger.”

TAB works with independently owned businesses, with a turnover in excess of £500,000, that do not typically have a board of directors to provide advice, expertise, and accountability to company leadership. What TAB offers is an ‘alternative’ board of between 5 to 7 business owners from non-competing sectors who meet monthly (although in some cases that has been more often recently).

Mark explained: “At the meeting they each bring a topic relating to their business; perhaps ideas have dried up, or they need advice on what to focus on. We then spend time on each topic drawing on the huge amount of experience and knowledge around the table, or on the Zoom/Teams call.”

The Alternative Board (South Manchester) will work with South Manchester businesses who are eager to learn, who acknowledge that they do not have all the answers, who are open minded and also open to change. Board membership is not guaranteed, as Mark is keen to ensure that any new board member is willing to help others and that he/she is prepared to share their experiences and challenges.

Jam sweetens client roster with The Skinny Food Co

Blog

Sam Whitear

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29/04/2020

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Jam sweetens client roster with The Skinny Food Co

Marketing communications agency, Jam has been appointed by healthy food and drink brand, The Skinny Food Co, to sweeten its PR strategy, following a three way pitch process.

Jam will be responsible for increasing visibility and share of voice in a competitive market place with consumer and trade media coverage of The Skinny Food Co’s expansive range of products.

The Skinny Food Co is a food and drink brand dedicated to healthy, great tasting food without the high sugar, fat and calorie content. The brand is enjoyed by the growing number of health conscious consumers as well as diabetics, vegetarians and vegans.

Jaime Gee, Managing Director at Jam, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with The Skinny Food Co and looking forward to communicating the brand’s fantastic range of flavoursome products to both the industry media and consumers. Our extensive press office function will support The Skinny Food Co’s overall business objectives of increasing awareness to drive sales, and ensuring that people can enjoy healthy food as it should be – full of flavour! ”

Wayne Starkey, CEO and Founder at The Skinny Food Co, said: “Jam really impressed us with their pitch as they not only understood our key audience and their interests, but also demonstrated creativity in their tactics. We’re delighted to have Jam onboard and we’re confident that they’ll help us raise awareness of our brand as it evolves.”

Jam has a wealth of experience in the food and drinks industry, including supporting TV chef, James Martin’s online home delivery service, Life, Fork, Spoon, as well as HM Pasties, EHL Ingredients and Lancashire Tea.

The Skinny Food Co joins Jam’s extensive roster of clients which includes Printworks, Argos Pet Insurance, MakeUrMove, Survivors Manchester and Ipsum Group.

Further expansion for Connectus following second NPIF loan from FW Capital Debt Finance

Finance

Sam Whitear

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28/04/2020

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Further expansion for Connectus following second NPIF loan from FW Capital Debt Finance

A superfast broadband and cyber security provider has received a second round of funding from NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance, managed by FW Capital and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF).

Connectus Group provides full fibre optic connectivity and end user managed services including VOIP, data storage and cyber security. The company works from offices in Salford and Doncaster with a host of blue-chip clients such as BT, Vodafone and Peel Holdings, as well as numerous SMEs.

NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance provided an initial £150,000 loan in 2018 which was used to recruit and train four staff and to invest in branding and marketing to drive the business forward.

A second loan of £150,000 has now been invested to expand additional managed services, recruit more staff, invest further in marketing and for training and technical development for the team.

In January 2018 the management team purchased the business, with Roy Shelton joining as Chief Executive Officer in 2019.

In between rounds nine new jobs have been created and revenue has grown by 55%. Connectus has also moved into a 1,500 square feet office at the AJ Bell Stadium where it has won the contract to run the site’s broadband, cyber security and VOIP on a proactive managed services basis for five years.

CEO Roy Shelton said: “FW Capital has provided much more than finance and we are delighted to be continuing our relationship with them. They have been a very important source of support for us – creating networking opportunities and adding extra value by attending our quarterly reviews.

“In what is a very male dominated industry we are proud that 25% of our staff is female and 25% of them under 25. We want to offer opportunities to more younger people – this latest round of funding will create another four jobs one of which will be an apprentice. We also expect turnover to double again next year as more and more clients adopt our fully managed services allowing them to focus on running their own businesses.”

Melanie Taylor, FW Capital’s Senior Portfolio Executive said: “Connectus’s achievements have surpassed our expections following the first round of investment and we are pleased to support them through this next exciting phase of development. The company is ambitious in its growth plans and has been successful in generating new contracts and tender opportunities. Our new loan will assist in funding the upfront costs of these new contracts.”

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank

Genius recruitment software secures £400k NPIF investment

Sam Whitear

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23/04/2020

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Genius recruitment software secures £400k NPIF investment

A company which has developed a full recruitment and talent management solution has secured a £400,000 business loan from NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance, managed by FW Capital and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF).

Genius Group Limited which has offices in Manchester & Skipton as well as an office in London has developed a state-of-the-art system for candidates and employers which streamlines the recruitment process via an app and online candidate management solution.

It takes only a minute for candidates to upload their information and be matched to suitable roles. Employers benefit from a unique system with built in AI that selects suitable applicants. The system also offers a video interviewing facility and produces letters and contracts.

Genius was set up in 2009 by Russell Dalton and currently employs 25 staff. Turnover this year reached £1m and is forecast to reach £7m within three years.

The loan has been used to recruit new 5 new staff and for growth capital to support marketing and advertising and the ongoing development of products and services.

Clients include Matalan, JD Sports, Pizza Express, JCB and Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust.

Russell Dalton said: “Our products significantly reduce recruitment costs and time.

“We’re also focused on rolling out our products within the NHS. Onboarding NHS staff can be a lengthy process but we know from working with Leeds Teaching Hospital that we can significantly reduce the time it takes from an average of 90 days to just 18.

“FW Capital is exactly the type of investor we want on board. They were diligent in their approach which I liked because it showed they were interested in us as a business and believed in our vision.”

FW Capital senior investment executive Loz O’Connor said: “Genius has self-funded so far but needed substantial capital to ramp up its expansion. Many major retailers are interested in working with them and they are already in advanced talks with a major supermarket and with clients across a broad spectrum of sectors, they are well placed to navigate the uncertain trading environment many businesses are currently facing.”

Sue Barnard, Senior Manager at the British Business Bank, said: “NPIF continues to provide vital funding to Northern businesses across the region and it’s great to see Genius will be able to use this funding to expand. We are pleased to continue this support, and are proud to work in partnership with FW Capital and our other appointed fund managers to make a real impact on business communities.

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.

Greater Connected programme returns to help digital, creative and tech businesses cut through the Coronavirus chaos

Sam Whitear

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22/04/2020

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Greater Connected programme returns to help digital, creative and tech businesses cut through the Coronavirus chaos

Digital and creative businesses in Greater Manchester struggling to adapt to the challenges caused by COVID-19 can receive assistance from the sector-specific Greater Connected programme – but they have just two more weeks to sign up.

Greater Connected is a fully funded programme that has been operating since 2016 via GC Business Growth Hub’s digital, creative and tech service. It helps businesses to define or refine their business plans, plot a clear route to their objectives, and gain greater knowledge of core business fundamentals. Recognising the new challenges businesses face, the programme has revised its content to help businesses stabilise, adapt and grow.

In keeping with Government guidelines on social distancing, the structure has also been re-modelled to offer support via different virtual delivery methods.

The cohort-based series of workshops offers tailored expert advice from digital, creative and tech practitioners, and growth advisors from GC Business Growth Hub, part of the Growth Company and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

The change in content and delivery is in line with the GC Business Growth Hub’s #HereForBusiness campaign to support companies during the coronavirus crisis.

Advice provided will take account of the particularly challenging times businesses are having to deal with during this pandemic, with specialist advisors who have experience of guiding companies through crises such as the bursting of the dot-com bubble and the 2008 financial crash. They also understand the specific challenges that COVID-19 has caused in the creative and digital sectors.

Sarah Novotny, Digital Creative and Tech Sector Lead at GC Business Growth Hub said: “Creative and digital businesses are facing a number of challenges during this crisis, some of which are shared by all industries and some which are particular to this sector. This makes it very timely that they can sign up to be part of the new Greater Connected cohort, which has already helped more than 170 local businesses.

“We know that these businesses need tailored support to help them come through the coronavirus crisis intact and ready to grow again, so our advisors are ready to help and offer advice. There has never been a more important time to be a part of the wider Greater Connected network, learning from other businesses with similar experiences and barriers to overcome.

“While we would usually be conducting these sessions face-to-face, thankfully technology means we can stay connected to keep offering this opportunity for businesses to grow together and help each other through this difficult time. We urge these businesses to apply as soon as possible, to get the right kind of support that’s most relevant to them.”

The closing date for the current cohort of Greater Connected is 1st May. Businesses can apply at https://gc.businessgrowthhub.com.

Businesses looking to access specialist support can visit www.businessgrowthhub.com for more information about the organisation’s extensive range of services. This and other GC Business Growth Hub projects are part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the GM Business Growth Hub project designed to help ambitious SME businesses achieve growth and increase employment in Greater Manchester. The Hub is also supported by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Greater Manchester local authorities.

LANCASHIRE FARM DAIRIES MAKES BIG INVESTMENTS AS BUSINESS BOOMS

Sam Whitear

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22/04/2020

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LANCASHIRE FARM DAIRIES MAKES BIG INVESTMENTS AS BUSINESS BOOMS

The Rochdale based yogurt brand has invested one million pounds into its manufacturing plant
Turning its attention to robotics and new technology, the company aim to take on key industry competitors

Rochdale based yogurt brand, Lancashire Farm Dairies, has announced a one million-pound business investment which will incorporate advanced technology and robotics into its manufacturing plant.

After making its start as a small company back in 1984, Lancashire Farm Dairies surpassed all expectations, steadily growing into a multi-million-pound yogurt manufacturer and the third largest natural yogurt brand in the UK.

Today, the business has taken a new approach to its investments, turning its attention to advanced technology and robotics which will take the manufacturing plant in a whole new direction. Once installed, the robotic-based system will be automated from end to end, enabling Lancashire Farm Dairies to manufacture 25% more 1kg yogurts.

Known for its empathetic, free-range approach to farming, Paradise Farm in Lancashire, which is one of the farms that suppliers the brand, is responsible for producing 10,000 litres of milk a day – enough to produce half a million pots of Lancashire Farm yogurts per year. With such large volumes available, the business plans to invest into more efficient systems to create yogurts.

As part of a continuing strong investment plan, this is not the first time the company has splashed the cash, following a 3.5-million-pound investment into the business back in 2018. The big-budget overhaul touched every aspect of the business including new tanks, new fermentation and a new CIP system for cleaning and filling lines.

Managing Director, Azhar Zouq, at Lancashire Farm Dairies, said, “We are always looking for ways to improve the business and with some of the latest improvements, along with the introduction of new technology, we have invested in the future of the business so we can continue to grow and fulfill our ambitions.”

“Lancashire Farm started as a small business and we are so pleased with the growth so far, but in order to take on major competitors, big investments in manufacturing and taking advantage of such fantastic advancements in technology will play a key part.”

Colleagues at the Rochdale based plant can also benefit from the new investments, with the new robotics system requiring operator roles to oversee the plant. This will create elevated positions for internal staff who can expect to undergo new training in the tech-heavy plant as business continues to boom.

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