Business reporter

Published 6th Aug 2023, 16:45 GMT

Despite being launched just two years ago, Batch’d already has 24 sites throughout the UK. The funding will support its plans to add more locations and treble its turnover.

Batch’d has secured its loan from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

David Richmond, CEO, said: “Our strength lies in our suppliers. We handpick the best small-scale bakeries and sell their products across Batch’d locations. We are enormously proud of our range and want everyone to feel included which is why we take our vegan range seriously. This funding will help us to continue our growth and bring Batch’d products to an even wider audience.”

David Richmond (left), CEO Arrow Fresh Ltd pictured with Gary Whitaker, investment Mmanager, Mercia Asset Management PLC. Picture by Shaun Flannery Photography

Batch’d sells sweet foods such as brownies and cookies from independent Yorkshire bakers. The Leeds-based company was founded by Mr Richmond, who previously ran the taxi firm Arrow Cars. When demand for taxis dwindled during the pandemic, he started offering food deliveries, initially trading as Arrow Fresh.

The company soon began to specialise in bakery products and opened its first shop in the White Rose Centre in Leeds. It now has stores or kiosks in locations including York, Hull, Bradford, Sheffield and Manchester.

Yorkshire-based artisan bakery chain Batch'd set to create 130 new jobs over 3 years