Hill Biscuits to create 45 jobs with loan support

ASHTON-under-Lyne biscuit manufacturer Hill Biscuits is planning to create 45 jobs after securing a £276,000 loan from the Greater Manchester Investment Fund.

The £100m fund, administered by the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), is drawn from the government’s Regional Growth Fund and its Growing Places Fund.

Hill Biscuits, established in 1855 and now owned by the Bennett family, plans to use the money for new production and packing facilities. It already employs around 300 staff.

Managing director Steven Wetherby said: “We are delighted to receive this loan funding. We are using it as part of our growth strategy to extend our products and client base.”

Mike Blackburn, chair of the LEP, said: “The Greater Manchester investment strategy focuses on identifying and supporting projects that drive economic growth and jobs, providing leverage in the maximum private-sector investment into Greater Manchester.

“The investment in Hill Biscuits is really good news and we would like to encourage more companies to submit an application and take advantage of the opportunities that are available.”

The Greater Manchester Investment Fund has so far allocated almost £36m to a range of projects, but the loan to Hills is the first for the expansion of an existing business.