John Bull charging to growth after funding agreement

WHEN the Olympic sailing teams arrive in Weymouth next year, they are expected to provide a boost for a family-owned Yorkshire confectionery firm.

Bridlington-based John Bull (Confectioners) has opened a shop in Weymouth as part of its expansion strategy.

Yesterday, the company announced that it had secured a funding package from Barclays Corporate to help it grow.

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John Bull has bought a freehold site next to its premises on the Carnaby Industrial Estate in Bridlington.

The company has also increased the number of parking spaces available for customers visiting its Candy Kingdom play centre and World of Rock factory tour.

Trevor Hodgson, the managing director of John Bull, is the grandson of the founder Ernest Hodgson.

Trevor Hodgson said yesterday: “With the new financial structure in place we intend to take advantage of the opportunities the current climate presents. I’m delighted that we have been able to secure this site to meet growing demand in Bridlington.”

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The company has 130 staff, which includes more than 90 permanent workers. Most of the employees are based in Bridlington.

It achieved turnover of £3.5m last year, which is a significant rise on the £2.2m turnover recorded in 2006.

The funding package was put together by Barclays Corporate director, Dan Evans, who said: “It really is a pleasure to see a local company go from strength to strength and buck the current market trend.”

A Barclays Corporate spokesman added: “The business has a significant presence in Yorkshire, with 11 stores in total: there are four in Bridlington, two in Scarborough, two in Whitby and three in York. They’re keen to grow the wholesale side of the business as well as internet-based sales.”