Loan allows food firm room to sprout

A ROCHDALE-based foodservice business is to move into larger premises after securing a £3.6m  loan from Barclays Corporate.

The company, Richard Whitaker, was founded in 1962 and supplies raw ingredients, blended products, catering packs and retail products. It supplies gluten-free ingredients acquired competitor firm Innovative Solutions four years ago and it now employs 64 people and has a turnover of £5.5m.

The firm is using the money to buy the former Anglian Windows depot in Rochdale, which is twice the size of its existing premises at 83,000 sq ft and will give it the scope to meet a turnover growth target of over £10m within three years.

Richard Whitaker also received an additional £299,000 grant from the North West Regional Development Agency to help with the move.

Managing director Alan Rigby said: “The move to new premises will be phased over the next few months and will enable us to meet our growth aspirations whilst maintaining the highest level of service for our customers.”