A pork pie brand has launched two new product ranges and expanded its North Yorkshire team by 30, thanks to funding from BEF and NPIF – BEF & FFE Microfinance, which is managed by BEF and Finance For Enterprise and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.
Leeming’s Vale of Mowbray has built a new £4m production line and entered the Scotch Egg market, with the help of a £250,000 investment. This included £100,000 from NPIF – BEF & FFE Microfinance and £150,000 invested directly by BEF.
The new production line can produce up to 500 eggs per minute and has created 30 local jobs.
“We want to drive some much-needed quality into the Scotch Eggs category,” says Vale of Mowbray MD Mark Gatenby. “This is a real step-change for the market, and we are proud to be able to drive innovation and growth.”
Vale of Mowbray has been producing pies in its family-owned bakery in Leeming for 200 years.
Lee Vickers, investment manager at BEF, said: “Vale of Mowbray make 1.5 million pork pies each week. Our investment will help this family owned business grow their product range and profits at a time when many businesses in their sector continue to struggle.”
Simon Jackson, head of lending, BEF, said: “Our whole ethos is about supporting northern businesses as they grow and we know the struggles food manufacturers have faced over the last two years, so it was fantastic to be involved with such a legendary local company and help them expand and diversify.”
