SME: Bee Free Box, Building Product Solutions, Labfacility

ENTREPRENEURS from North Yorkshire have launched a nutritional food business.

Richmond-based Bee Free Box was launched by clinical nutritionist Angela Beecroft and daughter Sarah Russell.

The firm specialises in wheat, dairy, yeast and gluten-free products

Ms Beecroft runs her own private clinic from Richmond, Centaurus Private Health Care in Stockton and London.

She explained: “Our exciting new business Bee Free Box is a logical extension of the work I have been doing for the last two decades. I specialise in gut health and have been working with clients suffering from a range of symptoms caused by a disrupted microbiome (the 3-4 pounds of bacteria which live in your gut).

“We are becoming more aware of just how important the balance of bacteria in your gut is to good health. An imbalance of this family of bacteria, we understand, may be the underlying cause of many health issues which can lead to a food sensitivity.

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WINDOW manufacturer Building Product Solutions have secured a contract to supply a four-year build project by Harron Homes.

Building Product Solutions will supply its trademark click and fix PVCu windows to 192 plots on the Lundwood site.
The contract is the latest in a series of wins in the North of England with developers such as Persimmon, Taylor Wimpey, Larkfleet and Gleeson.

Founded in 2009, the Goldthorpe based company has seen its turnover rise from £2.2m to £3.5m for the financial year 2014/15.

Sales director Lynne Darwin said: “This is a fantastic result for Building Product Solutions. The association with a leading house builder such as Harron Homes is one we’re very proud to have. This is hopefully the start of what will be a fruitful relationship.”

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SHEFFIELD-BASED manufacturer Labfacility is set to modernise and increase exports after a £50,000 business loan from Finance Yorkshire.

The firm, which manufactures temperature sensors employs 20 staff with a turnover just under £4m.

Finance Yorkshire has backed Labfacility with a loan which will enable the company to replace old tooling and welding equipment, as well as employ new staff.

Labfacility exports 70% of its products with customers in more than 80 countries, including Europe, the US and China. Its two largest customers are global distributors RS Components and Premier Farnell.

Martin Riddett, managing director at Labfacility, said: “We are conscious that our international counterparts are investing so we must keep pace. This latest investment will enable us to increase our welding capacity.

“We are also investing in staff and have recently taken on three apprentices.

“The support we have received has been hugely beneficial. Finance Yorkshire understands our business, they are able to move quickly and always look at the longer-term picture.”

Melanie Reynolds, portfolio executive at Finance Yorkshire, said: “We are impressed by the expansion of Labfacilty, which has increased sales in the UK and abroad and is creating jobs in the South Yorkshire area.

“We look forward to helping Martin and his team to expand profitably and increase their product range.”