Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Food manufacturer to create new jobs in expansion
A COTSWOLD biscuit and cake maker that supplies Pret A Manger, M&S and Dunelm is moving to a new HQ after securing £1.5m.
Four Anjels, based in Moreton-inMarsh, agreed the funding package with NatWest and is now planning to relocate to larger premises.
The move follows a period of growth for the firm, which secured a contract with M&S Café for the supply of baked goods in 2020-2021.
The business, currently operating from 4,500 sq ft bakery, will take up residence at its new 24,827 sq ft site at Furlong Park, Cheltenham, this month.
The funding provided by NatWest will be used for fit-out works to create a state-of-the-art factory and bakery.
The expansion will create 20 jobs at the new Cotswolds HQ, adding to the company’s current 40-strong workforce. Four Anjels says it expects to double its staff numbers to 120 over the next year.
The cash injection will also be used to expand Four Anjels’ freefrom and vegan product ranges, with a purpose-built bakery pod, also funded by NatWest, being installed in the new factory.
Andrea Stevens, managing director at Four Anjels, said: “It has been an incredibly exciting period of growth at Four Anjels, particularly through our relationship with M&S.
“The new premises will allow us to comfortably take on new business opportunities and welcome more team members, as well as develop new products as we embark on an ambitious business growth strategy.”
Four Anjels was founded in 2010 by Ms Stevens and Dr Barry Cronin, and is now led by Ms Stevens and Julie Painting.
The company produces around 20 product lines every week – ranging from shortbread to gluten-free brownies – by hand. According to the business, it has an average output of 700,000 portions per month.
Alexander Jones, relationship manager at NatWest, added: “Four Anjels holds a unique position in the market as a relatively high-volume producer of handmade, high-quality products. It has been a pleasure to be able to support the organisation to reach its growth target and we wish them every success on the next phase of their journey.”