All change at top of world food firm

STOCKPORT-based EHL, an importer, blender and packer of food ingredients from around the world, is restructuring its board.

Founder of the company Emma Haq is taking the role of chairman and Tasneem Backhouse and Naseem Ul-Haq are becoming joint managing directors.

Christine Peers will become sales director and new recruit, Kim Hooson, steps into the national sales manager position.

Last year, the company achieved year-end sales of £5.8m, and is aiming to reach £7m by the end of 2016, it’s twentieth year of operation, marking a successful 12 months for the food ingredients supplier with further growth, expansion and product development planned.

Previously, Haq was managing director, Backhouse was sales and marketing director, Ul-Haq was financial director and Peers was sales manager. Hooson joins the company from House of Flavours, Gloucestershire and will lead the new business drive, targeting food manufacturers, wholesalers, caterers and retailers around the UK.

The company is planning further growth and expansion as well as celebrations to mark its 20th anniversary later this year.

Backhouse, said: “The revised management structure will give the business new direction as we aim for our highest sales targets to date and celebrate our twentieth year in operation.

“Over the last two decades, we have become strong in certain areas of the food industry and have a loyal base of customers. Now, we want to really bolster our position within organic, free-from foods and the catering sector.

“Our new organic ingredient blends have had very positive feedback so far and we will be continuing to push this side of the business, especially over the summer BBQ season and in the run up to Christmas.”

The company employs 30 people at its headquarters on Broadstone Industrial Estate, Reddish.

It supplies around 300 food ingredients and boasts a 200-strong organic range as well as over 70 custom blends.

EHL Ingredients’ products are sold into the food manufacturing, wholesale, retail and catering sectors and used in end products, such as breads and bakery items, ready meals, healthy snacks and soups and sauces.

They are also sold to speciality food shops, delis and organic retailers across the UK.