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Government minister opens new headquarters for UK export champion, Inciner8 

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports Gareth Thomas MP officially opens new manufacturing facility in West Lancashire

Burscough, UK – Inciner8, a global leader in sustainable waste management incineration solutions, has officially inaugurated its new purpose-built headquarters in Burscough, Lancashire, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued expansion. 

The majority of sales (98 per cent) come from international markets with strong demand across medical, hazardous waste, animal & agriculture, mining, hospitality, and disaster relief sectors in emerging nations in Africa and island nations in the Asia-Pacific region. The new factory will create 50 new jobs in West Lancashire.

The new HQ was opened by Gareth Thomas MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Services, Small Businesses, and Exports) at the Department for Business and Trade. It positions Inciner8 at the forefront of innovation, sustainability, and enhanced customer service as it scales operations to meet increasing global demand. 

The new 36,000 sq ft facility more than doubles production capacity, enabling the company to manufacture multiple units simultaneously, streamline processes, and continue providing rapid, high-quality solutions to its diverse range of international customers. 

The new facility boasts cutting-edge features designed to reinforce Inciner8’s role as an industry leader in sustainable waste management, including: 

  • Advanced Manufacturing Technologies – Incorporating state-of-the-art production equipment to increase efficiency and reduce lead times. 
  • Dedicated Research & Development Hub – A space to pioneer new technologies, ensuring Inciner8 remains at the forefront of incineration innovation. 
  • Customer Experience Centre – Offering live product demonstrations, technical training, and industry insights to Inciner8’s customers.  
  • Sustainability Initiatives – Energy-efficient production systems and eco-friendly practices in line with the company’s sustainability goals. 

Beyond its global impact, Inciner8’s expansion strengthens the North West’s industrial sector, bring 50+ new employees to the area and supporting job creation and regional economic growth. Over the past year, the company has increased its workforce by 15 per cent, with plans for further recruitment in the coming months.

Founded in 2003, Inciner8 has established itself as a global market leader in incineration products and technology, designing and manufacturing systems for customers across 170+ countries in sectors including medical, agricultural, military, humanitarian aid, and industrial waste management. The company is trusted by leading international organisations such as the United Nations, WHO, NGOs, and governments worldwide.

Speaking at the official opening, Gareth Thomas MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Services, Small Businesses, and Exports) at the Department for Business and Trade, acknowledged Inciner8’s impact on UK manufacturing and exports: 

Gareth Thomas, Minister for Small Businesses and Exports said:

”It’s fantastic to see a small business like Inciner8 exporting around the world, growing their business, and supporting the regional and wider economy.

“We know that when smaller businesses export, the whole economy benefits, and that is why we want to help more small businesses export and export to more markets as part of our Plan for Change.”

Inciner8’s CEO, Darren Spencer, said: 

“The opening of our new headquarters marks a pivotal moment for Inciner8. This facility is not just a testament to our growth, but a statement of our commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable solutions to our customers worldwide. The expanded space enables us to enhance our R&D capabilities, boost production efficiency, and better support our global customer base.” 

“Investing in our people is just as important as investing in our infrastructure. This site not only increases efficiency and output, but also ensures we have the best talent working in an environment that fosters growth, collaboration, and innovation.” 

NW Mutual reveals locations of 60-plus proposed branches

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

NW Mutual, the mutual bank to be based in and for retail and small business customers in the north west of England, has revealed the locations of approximately 60 proposed branches spanning the region. 

The network of branches includes 16 earmarked for Lancashire, 20-plus proposed in Greater Manchester, another 12 for Liverpool and Merseyside, potentially 10 in Cheshire and another six planned for Cumbria.  

The proposed ‘bricks, clicks and flicks’ business model of NW Mutual will deliver hi-tech and staffed branches, complemented by mobile and online banking, providing retail and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) customers with a full range of financial products and services. 

The location of the headquarters of the bank, headed by recently appointed senior financial services executive Dave Burke, is yet to be confirmed but will be in the north west and due to open in the second quarter of 2025. 

Dave said: “When our plans are finalised, NW Mutual will open approximately 60* branches across the north west, with the first branch and head office also in the region.  

“Our aim is to provide access to as many people and businesses in the north west as possible, with 95 per cent of residents and small and medium-sized businesses within a 30-minute drive to a branch.  

“Whilst we have specific locations in mind to achieve this, we also want to listen to the people and businesses of the region and welcome thoughts and suggestions on branch locations.” 

Bolton-born and bred Dave Burke recently joined NW Mutual Ltd, a co-operative society launched in response to more than 50 per cent of traditional bank branches in the region having closed and the lack of banks based in and dedicated purely to serving the people, businesses and organisations in the north west. 

While Lloyds Banking Group recently announced the closure of another 136 branches by March 2026, consumer group Which? said banks and building societies had closed a total of 6,266 branches since January 2015, equating to about 53 closures every month. 

NW Mutual’s target market is about 7.4 million people and 494,395 small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in the region, employing more than 1.65 million people and generating turnover in excess of £239 billion in 2024. 

A highly experienced financial services executive with an extensive background in launching, building and managing regulated businesses, Dave has held senior roles at high street banks and retailers while also providing strategic consultancy services to major organisations seeking to enter financial services. 

He said: “Our market research, supported by a large body of public research and information, shows a proven need and demand for a bank that’s trustworthy, democratic, ethical, deeply rooted in the north west and that enough people and businesses in the region would use to make it a great success.” 

“The north west is more than capable and large enough to create and sustain a prosperous bank. When we achieve our goals, our mutual bank will recycle more than £900m of money from the north west back into the region. 

“This is serious money and it’s already here, but it’s not. We want to stop it leaking out and heading south, north or east.” 

Having already registered NW Mutual Ltd with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), regulator of financial services firms and markets in the UK, David is preparing a banking licence application to submit to the Bank of England in late 2025. 

If the licence is granted by the Bank of England, the first bricks-and-mortar branch is planned to open in the third quarter of 2026, with a full roll-out proposed for the first quarter of 2027. 

About £1m has been invested to build the systems and financial model of NW Mutual, prepare the banking license application and analyse its market.  

David Milner, chair of NW Mutual Ltd, is an executive and non-executive director of regulated financial services companies, including being chairman of Dudley Building Society and Nottingham Imperial Building Society, while non-executive director James Moore has more than 25 years of boardroom experience with private and public businesses in sectors including financial services in the UK, China, Europe and Africa while also founding the Community Savings Bank Association. 

They are in the process of recruiting other senior executives to the board of NW Mutual including a finance director. 

*Potential and yet-to-be-confirmed locations for branches of NW Mutual: 

Lancashire: Preston, Accrington, Blackburn, Blackpool, Burnley, Clitheroe, Chorley, Lancaster, Leyland, Lytham St Annes, Morecambe, Nelson, Rawtenstall, Fleetwood, Garstang, Skelmersdale. 

Greater Manchester: Altrincham, Ashton-under-Lyne, Bolton, Bury, Droylsden, Eccles, Hyde, Harpurhey, Hyde, Leigh, Longsight, Manchester, Manchester Victoria, Oldham, Rochdale, Sale, Salford, Stockport, Stretford, Urmston, Wigan, Wythenshawe. 

Liverpool and Merseyside: Bebington, Birkenhead, Bootle, Crosby, Formby, Huyton, Kirkby, Knowsley, Liverpool, Prescot, Speke, St Helens. 

Cheshire: Chester, Crewe, Ellesmere Port, Knutsford, Macclesfield, Northwich, Runcorn, Warrington, Widnes, Winsford. 

Cumbria: Barrow-in-Furness, Carlisle, Kendal, Keswick, Penrith, Whitehaven. 

Nick Park CBE, Academy Award® winning creator of Wallace & Gromit, opens £45m+ Animate entertainment and leisure destination in Preston 

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Nick Park CBE, four-time Academy Award®-winner and Preston-born creator of Wallace & Gromit, officially opened the city’s £45m+ Animate entertainment and leisure destination in February 2025. 

The Honorary Freeman of Preston and multi-award-winning filmmaker, unveiled a four-foot-high bronze statue of Feathers McGraw, the villainous penguin character in the Wallace & Gromit animated films, to mark the opening. 

Joining Nick at the unveiling were the Mayor of Preston, Councillor Philip Crowe, Chris Butler and Chris Jones, owners and directors of Castle Fine Arts Foundry, which created the statue, and Merlin Crossingham, Bafta@ award-winning creative co-director of Wallace & Gromit at Aardman Animations. 

Nick and Merlin are executive directors and creative directors, respectively, at Bristol-based independent studio Aardman, makers of the Wallace & Gromit films and other beloved brands, including Shaun the Sheep, Creature Comforts, Chicken Run, and Morph. 

Nick Park CBE said: “As a proud Prestonian, I couldn’t be more egg-cited to see our infamous Feathers McGraw joining Wallace and Gromit in my hometown. 

“I’m not sure how happy Wallace and Gromit will be, though, to have their arch nemesis clutching the limelight.” 

Councillor Matthew Brown, leader of Preston City Council, said: “To have Nick Park officially open our flagship regeneration scheme, Animate, is a genuine honour and landmark moment for the Council and the city. In addition, the new Feathers McGraw statue is a fantastic complement to the Wallace and Gromit bench, which has drawn so many visitors to Preston – its popularity has blown us away.  

“It heralds a new era for Preston, providing an unrivalled multi-tenanted entertainment and leisure complex for residents and visitors from the wider region in the ownership of our city.” 

Chris Jones, director at Castle Fine Arts Foundry, added: “It was such an honour for us all at the Foundry to be given the opportunity to depict the deliciously malign Feathers McGraw in bronze, having enjoyed creating Wallace & Gromit a couple of years ago.  

“We had felt Feathers’ ‘wee beady eyes’ upon us in the workshop for a good few months since we completed him, so it was both a relief and a joy to put him where he truly belongs, alongside his arch-nemeses in Preston.” 

Animate features The Arc Cinema with eight screens, 16-lane Hollywood Bowl bowling alley with gaming zone, public realm, a socialising unit and 164-space basement car park, alongside leading family restaurant brands Ask Italian, Cosmo, Taco Bell, Argento Lounge and a variety of street food outlets and a cocktail bar in Mad Giant Food Hall, Northern Lights Group. 

The scheme was delivered by Maple Grove Developments (MGD), part of the Preston-based contractor, Eric Wright Group, on behalf of Preston City Council. Commercial property agents Sanderson Weatherall are the estate managers. 

Built on the former indoor market and car park site, Animate is fully owned by Preston City Council and is one of six major projects in Preston’s Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, a £200m programme including £20.9m of funding by the UK Government to support several regeneration projects.  

The leisure scheme supports the Council’s commitment to Community Wealth Building – a fair, inclusive and ethical approach to fostering sustainable economic development and prosperity for all in Preston – via measures including using locally based businesses and the creation of approximately 300 full and part-time jobs when fully open and 105 apprenticeship weeks worked throughout the construction period to date. 

The communications experts at Limitless Public Relations – Michael Gregory, Claire Stephenson, and Justin Strong (along with Jen Peacock on launch day) have provided strategic communications and public relations support to Preston City Council throughout the successful delivery of this landmark project over the past two years.

Construction starts on Preston Youth Zone

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Construction is underway on Preston Youth Zone, which also has a new name following a city-wide vote of over 2,000 young people.

The Youth Zone’s development group, consisting of young people from across Preston, had created two brands for others to choose between. They revealed the winning name to be The Vault, ahead of a special groundbreaking ceremony at the Youth Zone’s town centre site on Wednesday 26 June.

The event, hosted by the charity’s chair Guy Topping and CEO Tim Jacques, launched an exciting new phase for the Youth Zone. Contractors Triton Construction will begin building the multi-million-pound centre, which will open next autumn.

Using a giant spade, supplied by Barton Grange Garden Centre, young people cut the first hole in the ground.

Mr Topping said: “This is a momentous occasion – it’s fantastic to break ground and build this special space for Preston’s young people. It will give them somewhere safe and inspirational to go in their leisure time to try new activities, develop skills and make friends.

“We’ve waited a long time to get to this stage, but in many ways, this is just the beginning as we take a huge step closer to opening to thousands of young people from across the city. I am so grateful to everyone who has helped us on this journey, turning the dream of a Youth Zone in Preston into a reality.”

Mr Jacques added: “I feel very proud to be CEO of this brilliant charity, one which will change the lives of so many young people in Preston. 

“The Youth Zone will be a place they deserve with incredible facilities and a team of dedicated youth workers offering vital support and guidance. It was great to see our development group unveil our fantastic new brand and I want to thank the 2,000 young people across Preston who took part in the vote. 

“We’ve had so many brilliant people back this project but we are still actively fundraising for the  remainder of our annual running costs, so we’d appeal to any local businesses who want to support Preston’s young people to get in contact.”

The Youth Zone also forms one of the six key programmes in Preston’s £200 million regeneration of the Harris Quarter.

John Chesworth, Chair of Preston Towns Fund Strategic Board added,  

“It’s fantastic to see the start of a much-needed asset in the City. The Youth Zone has been in the planning stage for a long time, but we can now see Guy’s vision become a reality. As a proud Prestonian, it’s something that I believe will provide many opportunities to our young people and give them a future while also contributing to the physical transformation of the Harris Quarter.”

The Vault is being developed by national charity OnSide, which currently has 15 similar Youth Zones across the UK, and Preston’s will be one of six to open in 2025 

Michael Gregory, Limitless director and Vault board member, concluded: “The Vault will make an important impact to the City, not just in terms of its physical presence but also its valuable contribution to social regeneration of Preston. 

“It truly is a fantastic asset and one that will provide so many opportunities to young people of the City.”

The Vault will boast a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities. These include a climbing wall, music room and recording studio, gym, health and wellbeing room, performing arts studio, boxing and martial arts gym, a four-court sports hall, 3G pitch, media room with podcast recording facilities, a café serving hot meals for just £1 and much more. Young people will pay just £5 annual membership and 50p per visit.

The Youth Zone will be funded by various sources, including private sector contributions, and the charity is actively fundraising for its annual running costs.

Roundhouse completes first phase of latest £10m Momentum site in Blackburn

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Roundhouse has completed the first phase of its latest Momentum site in Blackburn and has only two available to purchase or let. 

Phase one saw 14 units being built, of which ten were 1,000 sq ft and four were 850 sq ft. When the site has been completed, it will see 68 new commercial units providing 24,000 sq ft of commercial space on a 1.56-hectare site.

The site lies adjacent to Guide Reservoir and opposite Shadsworth Business Park. It will be accessed off Haslingden Road close to Junction 5 of the M65 and includes provision for 193 parking spaces, motorcycle parking and cycle storage.

The Shadsworth site will be the fourth Momentum project and follows previous developments in Preston and Buckshaw Village, near Chorley. 

Managing director of Roundhouse Properties, Jeremy Lefton, said: “Despite the economic uncertainty over the past year, we have seen a healthy demand for units at our Blackburn site, and we’re now focussing on starting phase two that will see 20 units constructed by the end of May 2025.

“With the UK economy looking like it’s back on track, we expect that demand for phase two to be better than phase one, and once we have most of those units tenanted or sold, we’ll then look to develop the final phase of the site by 2026.

“We developed the Momentum concept to provide growing businesses with affordable and flexible space, and it’s an idea that has gone down very well with SMEs across the region.”

Danny Pinkus at Pinkus & Co. and Neil Weaver of Taylor Weaver are joint agents for the scheme.

Spirit of Dunkirk alive and well on the Firth of Forth

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

A Dunkirk veteran – the Forth Princess – is marking the ‘little ships’ anniversary with historic cruises on the Firth of Forth. The Forth Princess is a vessel that rescued hundreds of soldiers from the beaches during the famous evacuation of Dunkirk in World War II. The boat was one of almost 900 ‘little ships’ that crossed the channel to assist the Royal Navy in evacuating 338,000 troops during Operation Dynamo.

While the heroic role of these small craft in evacuating allied troops from the continent in May and June 1940 is now acknowledged as one of the nation’s finest hours, the memory remains tinged with sadness at the thousands of comrades who were left behind.

In late May 1940, the little ships came in their hundreds: tugs, towing dinghies, lifeboats, small motor yachts, motor launches, drifters, Thames barges, fishing boats and pleasure boats. Among them, the craft then known as ‘Britannia’ – today she is the Forth Princess – was just one of a flotilla of some 861 vessels, of which 243 were sunk. 

The 76ft-long Forth Princess was under the command of Sub Lieutenant S D Ward, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, and sailed from Dover on May 13, 1940, in the company of Skylark 6 and the trawlers Brock and Fyldea. The Brock returned to Dover and the Skylark 6 was abandoned when her engines broke down.

They arrived off Dunkirk on 1 June and proceeded to the beach at Bray Dunes, located one mile east of Dunkirk. The beaches and the town were under German air and artillery attack as Britannia began to ferry men from the beach to waiting ships. Between 1pm and 6pm the ‘Britannia’ ferried some 200 troops to the Fyldea and other waiting ships. 

At 6.15pm the Fyldea ran aground, and Britannia went to her aid. With the Fyldea refloated, both vessels left for home and made for Dover, arriving there at 0255 on the morning of June 2, where 139 troops disembarked. A total of 338,226 British and Allied troops were rescued from the beaches of Dunkirk. 

Following the evacuation, Britannia served as an inshore minesweeper with the Royal Navy until 1945, when she was returned to her owners and was back in her ‘civvy’ role carrying holidaymakers again by 1946.

Today, the Forth Princess operates on Forth Boat Tours’ popular Blackness Castle Cruise, which visits the historic medieval stronghold featured in the popular TV drama Outlander. En route for Blackness, passengers can view the famous trio of Forth Bridges and enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea of sandwiches and scones with jam and cream as they cruise past the imposing 15th-century fortress.

Forth Boat Tours sales, marketing and development manager Alastair Baird said:

“The rescue of so many of its men ensured that like a phoenix, Britain rose from the ashes of defeat to gain a great and lasting victory. We were delighted to be given the opportunity to add such a historic vessel to the Forth Boat Tours fleet and she has become a firm favourite with both our crews and passengers.

“We are proud to be keeping the spirit of Dunkirk alive and well on the Forth, and while eternally grateful to those men and women who crewed the little ships, we will never forget those who did not return home.”

Alastair Baird

Find more information on Forth Boat Tours here.

Bespoke named Best Place to Work by The Sunday Times

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Lancashire-based digital marketing agency Bespoke has been named by the Sunday Times as one of the Best Places to Work in the UK for 2024.

The nationwide workplace survey, published by The Sunday Times on Sunday 12th May, honours and celebrates Britain’s top employers – which number over 500 organisations across industries and sizes – and acknowledges the best workplaces for women, LGBTQIA+ community, disabled employees, ethnic minorities, younger and older workers, and wellbeing.

In compiling the list, The Sunday Times partnered with employee-experience platform WorkL to deliver fresh insights into what makes the Best Place to Work.

The Sunday Times Best Places to Work awards survey uses 26 questions from WorkL’s employee engagement survey, developed by behavioural scientists, data analysts, psychologists, business leaders, academics and other independent parties to most accurately monitor employee engagement, wellbeing and discretionary effort in the workplace.

To achieve a high overall engagement score, an organisation must score well across WorkL’s six-step framework encompassing: Reward and Recognition; Instilling Pride; Information Sharing; Empowerment; Wellbeing; Job Satisfaction.

Bespoke, which has offices at Strawberry Fields in Chorley, was recognised in the survey’s Small Organisation category.

The report accompanying the listing said: “This Chorley digital agency puts a development programme in place for staff, with a three-year plan for those seeking a role in the company. Plans are reviewed annually and extended once colleagues have been with the agency for two years. The 12 employees work a 50-50 hybrid week – with a budget provided to kit out home offices – while the whole team has lunch together twice a week.”

Bespoke Co-founder & CEO Steve Brennan said: “I couldn’t be prouder of the team, or more overjoyed for us all, to have been listed on The Sunday Times Best Places to Work list.

“It’s such an incredible accolade for the culture we have built here over the years. We fully recognise that it’s our people who make us what we are, and we are dedicated to providing them with the happiest working environment, which is something that everybody pitches in with, so the entire team can rightfully be extremely proud to have their efforts be recognised in this way.”

Chris Longcroft, EVP Publisher, The Times and The Sunday Times, said: “All organisations are only as good as the people they employ and retain. The Sunday Times Best Places to Work awards recognise companies that are innovating to create an engaged and fulfilling working environment for all and in so doing they are creating the best possible platform for business success. To be named on The Sunday Times Best Places to Work list is a true recognition of excellence and I congratulate those organisations who made the grade this year.”

Lord Mark Price, Founder of WorkL, said: “I’m absolutely delighted for this year’s winners of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work, powered by WorkL. Many Congratulations to you all. We’ve been absolutely blown away by just how many brilliant companies entered the awards in the hopes of being recognised, so it’s a real achievement to have made the list. WorkL are proud to power these awards and support organisations in retaining and recruiting the very best employees.” 

Zoe Thomas, editor of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work, said: “It is my pleasure to introduce the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024. These include a huge range of businesses and not-for-profits, from innovative start-ups with a handful of employees to big multinational corporations staffed by thousands. The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024 spans all industry sectors and are located throughout the UK. Uniting them is the commitment to make their organisation a better place to work for everyone, and there is no limit to the creative lengths they go to to engage employees. Why have a job just anywhere when you could be carving out a career at a Sunday Times Best Place to Work?”

For more information go to www.bespokedigital.agency or www.thetimes.co.uk/static/best-places-to-work-2024. 

Smiths Hire Expands 21Digital Contract after Sales Surge 

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Smiths Hire has expanded its contract with 21Digital after the Blackburn agency’s bespoke digital marketing campaign provided a 57% increase in sales of tool and powered access equipment hire from the Blackpool-headquartered firm’s 16 depots across the north of England.

Established in 1970, Smiths Hire has been supplying tools, plant and powered access equipment to trade and DIY customers for more than 50 years. Its hire range includes handheld tools, larger power tools, scaffold towers, access equipment, and specialised plant equipment.

The company also provides full turnkey setup for sites, providing everything from security fencing to accommodation and welfare units.

Smiths Hire chose 21Digital to deliver the SEO campaign based on the award-winning agency’s track record of results within the specialist trade and DIY e-commerce sectors.

The first campaign, which commenced in April 2022, delivered an overall rise in sales through a 139% increase in leads combined with an 85% increase in online sales conversions. 

Smiths Hire Marketing Director David Turner said: “At Smiths Hire, our slogan is Hire Strength You Can Build On, and working with 21Digital has lived up to that, while being an educational and enjoyable experience.

“The whole team have been exceptional and have significantly improved our online presence. With 21Digital’s help, we now compete more effectively against other national hire companies with larger budgets and more hire centres. Their strategic approach to PPC and SEO has provided us with measurable results that have helped drive our business forward.” 

Based at offices on Blackburn’s Trident Park, 21Digital is a multi-award-winning agency specialising in lead generation and e-commerce, providing digital marketing services including web design, web development, SEO, Google Ads, digital consultancy, social media marketing and email marketing.

For more information go to www.21digital.agency or www.smithshire.com. 

BAKO acquires Finlay’s Foods

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

BAKO Group Limited has announced its full acquisition of James A.S. Finlay Limited, trading as Finlay’s Foods, as of 4th April 2024.

With a multi-temperature fleet of over 70 vehicles, BAKO provides independent bakers and caterers with a wide range of ingredients and finished products from quality suppliers, as well as its own BAKO Select branded range, through its depots in Preston, Durham and Wimbledon, employing 312 people across all three sites.

Founded 60 years ago in 1976, BAKO is recognised as a key organisation within the UK bakery industry supply chain and is owned by over 694 shareholders, all of whom are bakers.

Finlay’s Foods has become a leading name in the Irish bakery trade, employing approximately 60 at its purpose-built site in Craigavon. As a manufacturer and distributor of ingredients to the bakery and general food industry, its customer base extends throughout Northern Ireland into the Republic of Ireland, as well as the wider UK, Europe and Asia.

Following the acquisition by BAKO, Finlay’s Foods will continue trading under its existing brand as part of BAKO Group.

BAKO CEO Mike Tully said: “This acquisition opens up new markets for us in Northern Ireland and beyond, offering significant growth opportunities. Finlay’s Foods has established a strong presence and loyal customer base, which we intend to build upon and expand.

“By integrating Finlay’s Foods’ product line with our own, we are able to diversify our offerings and enhance our competitive edge. Their expertise in bakery products complements our current portfolio and opens up a wide range of cross-selling opportunities.

“Bringing Finlay’s Foods into the BAKO family will also provide substantial operational advantages, including optimised supply chains, shared resources, and enhanced production capabilities. 

“The additional resources and capabilities from this acquisition provide us with the ability to accelerate innovation and drive growth, aligning with our commitment to offering high-quality products and services and exploring new market segments.”

Finlay’s Foods Sales Director Patrick Gracey said: “We are excited that Finlay’s Foods is now part of the BAKO Group. Finlay’s has had a long-standing relationship with Bako both as a customer and supplier for over 20 years. This is a natural evolution that benefits both companies and will enable us to build on our customer-focused approach, facilitating the delivery of more choice opportunities and benefits to our loyal customer base.

“Partnering with such a major force and leading light within the UK bakery industry is the start of an exciting journey for both Finlay’s and our customers. Bako’s motto  ‘By Bakers, for Bakers’ symbolises a passion and commitment to the industry that synergises with our own long-term ethos, and we are delighted to be part of this family of companies. We look forward to our journey ahead under the umbrella of such a trusted trade partner.”

World Options expands Northampton office

Posted on by Claire Stephenson

Danielle Waterhouse has joined the team at the Northampton office of World Options as a Sales Executive.

Part of MBE Worldwide, World Options is the largest retail group of franchised shipping services companies in the UK. The World Options shipping portal allows business customers to compare quotes from the leading carriers, and to send and track shipments, with customer service provided by a dedicated account manager.

Northampton businessman Matt Patten launched a World Options franchise in May 2022, and is seeking to grow the business further, servicing businesses across the UK.

Welcoming Danielle to the company, he said: “We are very pleased to welcome Danielle aboard.  She joins us at a great time. With the global economy becoming more connected and with the boom in e-commerce, the courier industry is a growing market so it’s a great sector to build a career in.

“When shipping parcels worldwide, businesses can be confused by the number of options available and can often stick to one courier service, even though that might not be the best option for every package they send.

“World Options offers customers the opportunity to ship domestically and internationally with the likes of DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT and more. We help businesses choose the right option for every shipment, and our bulk-buying power means customers pay a competitive price for their shipping –  cheaper than they could negotiate for themselves, whether that be for parcels, pallets, freight transport, documents or imports, either nationally or internationally.

On commencing her new role, Danielle said: “I am very excited to be joining the team at World Options. Many businesses find international shipping confusing. We ease the pain by providing one point of contact for the courier options we offer customers, and by providing customers with proactive information on the status of their shipments to prevent minor issues from turning into major problems.

“Matt and I commit to answering all phone calls within three rings, and World Options has extended service level agreements with all the main courier companies, so we can provide our target customers with more support than if they were dealing with shipping on their own. And of course, given the volume of business we are doing across our network – with all couriers, our customers not only receive excellent customer service but competitive pricing as well.”

World Options Holdings Ltd manages three brands in the UK; Mail Boxes Etc., PACK & SEND and World Options, providing e-commerce, fulfilment, shipping, virtual office, marketing and print solutions to SMEs and consumers. Companies within the group now maintain and support over 260 franchisees, generating combined annual revenues of £80m.

World Options Holdings is part of MBE Worldwide, which in 2022 served over one million business customers globally, generating Euro 1.3 billion of system-wide gross revenue through its network of over 3,150 business solution centres in 52 countries, and Euro 22 billion of gross merchandise value traded through its PrestaShop e-commerce solutions.