Dessert seller Batch'd has set out plans to double in size in the next three years following £1.1m investment. The Leeds-based specialist in brownies, cookies and donuts already has 25 sites across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ including in Yorkshire, the North West, Midlands, London and Scotland.
Now £1.1m of investment from Finance Yorkshire’s growth fund will support the company’s ambition to open more sites at shopping centres – including Lakeside in Essex – travel hubs and on the high street. Batch'd is hoping to have 50 locations and a workforce of about 300 by 2029.
The firm, which also says it expects to grow turnover to £20m over the next three years, sells via a network of kiosks, food court outlets and shops. Its fresh goods are baked in the region and it also offers milkshakes, ice cream and speciality drinks.
Bosses have also invested in repurposed shipping containers, which can be installed at retail parks. An app is also in development to provide offers and serve a loyalty scheme for customers.
Harry Clavane, Batch’d managing director, said: "Our bakeries make quality artisanal products in Yorkshire which are delivered daily across the country. We work with our bakeries to innovate and develop new products, offering variety to customers which is what sets us apart from others in the bakery sector. Finance Yorkshire helps businesses like ours to grow and its investment will enable us to open more stores and create new jobs, both in Yorkshire and beyond."
Alex McWhirter, Finance Yorkshire CEO, said: "Batch’d is to be congratulated on its growth since launching just five years ago. It has become a highly recognised brand and popular outlet in Yorkshire, both at Meadowhall in Sheffield and the White Rose Centre, Leeds. Our investment will accelerate the company’s ambitions to expand and create jobs, particularly in its regional based supply chain, making a significant contribution to the wealth of the Yorkshire economy."
Finance Yorkshire says it is preparing further investments this year having supported about 70 SMEs to create and safeguard more than 780 jobs, and attracted £30m of private sector investment, over the last three years. Investments from Finance Yorkshire’s growth, seedcorn and loan funds are expected to total £50m by 2027, enabling more SMEs across Yorkshire and Humber to grow and prosper.
