Reward for fast-growing company Heck

Bedale-based Heck Food has made the Startups 100 list, the only index of its kind to rank the UK’s 100 fast growth-potential new businesses which have recently launched.

And one of its team, 21-year-old Ellie Keeble, is the youngest entrepreneur in the index. She is heading up a new UK-wide campaign to go into schools to talk about entrepreneurship, and food and farming as a serious career choice.

Heck is planning an ambitious expansion programme this year, creating a new production unit and centre of excellence for food. The team has recently gained planning permission to transform a family farm into a new experience in food and drink.

Ellie said: “We work extremely hard as a team and are passionate about making great quality food while creating an rewarding and fun place to work. Our family motto is ‘Give em Heck’ and we’re never afraid to try something new.”

Heck was started four years ago by the Keeble family and friends, and aims to bring the best sausages, burgers and meatballs to market. Its successes have included the launch of several award-winning ranges including traditional pork, lower fat chicken and a new vegetarian range.

As well as being in Asda, Booths, Tesco and Waitrose, it has now struck deals with Budgens, Co-op, Costco, Morrisons, Ocado and Sainsbury’s.

Richmond MP Rishi Sunak was invited to look round the company’s factory said: “What’s great about Heck is that they are putting something back into the community, by providing job and educational opportunities for young people and proving that you don’t always need a university degree to get ahead.”