Our Relationship Manager probably knows more about our business than we do," says Graham Jackson, chairman of KK Fine Foods Ltd. "We talk every week about different aspects of the business, and that has helped us to create 132 new jobs in North Wales."
KK Fine Foods is a Flintshire-based frozen food specialist, and a recent winner of 'Welsh Business of the Year'. It is achieving unprecedented growth and recognition in a notoriously competitive market – due in large part, says Jackson, to the fact that the Bank shares the vision.
"Since engaging with Bank of Scotland Corporate four years ago, we've won 24 awards for innovation, quality and service," Jackson explains. "Their support has enabled us to invest in new equipment and undertake a lot of innovation. Crucially, they haven't constrained our vision or stopped us being liberal in our thinking. That's given us the confidence to go into the meat, fish and poultry markets. With their help, we've secured 46 new accounts worth £1.3m over the last 12 months. They've given us the comfort and strength to adapt to changing markets and to establish a plan for the next five years.
"To address any uncertainty, they introduced us to two new financial tools – factoring and asset finance – which we hadn't used before. And, to give us further security, their treasury department now protects the funding with a 'cap and collar' arrangement – I don't think you often get that service from other banks."
KK Fine Foods has recently embarked on an ambitious five-year plan to treble its production capacity and increase the company's workforce by 50% in 12 months. Three years ago they had already invested £1.2m in a new 30,000 sq ft facility with an additional £750,000 spent on new equipment.
On Bank advice, the latest expansion is being undertaken in two phases, rather than in one large-scale development as originally planned. "They very wisely highlighted the pressure points that we could encounter if the economy were to change.
We took their advice and pulled back – and, on reflection, that was the right decision.
If you'd like to find out more about how we can help grow your business visit the Cashflow Finance or Asset Finance pages on the Bank of Scotland Corporate website.
Now you have listened to what our customers have to say, perhaps you'd like to hear what we can do for your business. Why not call us on 0845 608 7882†? (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
Our Relationship Manager probably knows more about our business than we do," says Graham Jackson, chairman of KK Fine Foods Ltd. "We talk every week about different aspects of the business, and that has helped us to create 132 new jobs in North Wales."
We took their advice and pulled back – and, on reflection, that was the right decision.
