From the kitchen counter to a national brand – How NPIF II investment has helped propel us into the next stage of our growth

Kirsty Henshaw, founder and managing director at Kirsty’s, discusses how NPIF II funding has impacted her business and her plans to take her allergen-free brand to even more stores across the UK.

I created and launched Kirsty’s in 2009 after discovering that my son Jacob had multiple food allergies, including to nuts, as well as a dairy intolerance. With so few healthy and tasty food options available to us, I began experimenting with different recipes and started selling small batches of ice cream to health food stores. As my products gained popularity and attracted interest from major retailers like Tesco, I decided to take my business to Dragon’s Den in 2010. After successfully securing backing from Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne, I bought back their shares three years later, following the launch of my meals into supermarkets across the country in 2012.

Unlocking New Opportunities for Growth

For my business, access to NPIF II finance was straight-forward and the investment team at Mercia went through a robust and quick process, which allowed me to quickly   have the ability to innovate and expand like never before.

With this investment, we’re set to launch a new ‘food to go’ range, catering to consumers who need quick, healthy, and allergen-free meals on the move. Additionally, the funding will help us develop other exciting products that continue to meet the needs of those with dietary restrictions. These innovations align with our vision of making allergen-free eating as accessible and enjoyable as possible, even for the busiest lifestyles.

Creating Jobs and Strengthening Our Team

This investment from NPIF II – Mercia Equity Finance also allow us to grow our team, creating 15 new jobs over the next six months at our Harrogate-based factory, which currently employs 55 dedicated team members. I’m incredibly proud of our hardworking staff, whose commitment has been instrumental to our success. Expanding our team not only strengthens our business but also supports the local economy.

As part of this new chapter, we’re thrilled to welcome Ian Kent, former commercial director of Stateside Foods, as our new Chair. His wealth of experience will be invaluable as we continue to scale Kirsty’s and pursue our ambitious goals for the future.

Building on a Strong Foundation

In 2020, we took a major step forward by opening our state-of-the-art, 100% allergen-free factory in Harrogate, bringing all manufacturing operations in-house. This facility ensures the highest levels of safety and quality, giving our customers the confidence they need in every product we make.

For us, nothing beats fresh, home-cooked food. But we understand that life is busier than ever, and for those with allergies, preparing meals from scratch every day isn’t always feasible. That’s why we’re dedicated to creating convenient, healthy foods that everyone can enjoy—whether or not they have allergies.

Reaching New Heights

The investment from NPIF II marks a pivotal moment in our journey as a business. It gives us the tools to take our business to the next level, fulfilling its true potential and bringing our allergen-free mission to even more people.

Our success is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and teamwork. With the support of NPIF II, we’re ready to embark on this exciting new chapter, growing our range, our team, and our impact in the world of allergen-free eating.

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