Partner Article

Villa fizzed by cash boost

A 120-year-old drinks firm has created 17 jobs, invested in new machinery and brought a number of new products to market after receiving £1m in financial backing.

Sunderland-based Villa Drinks started life in 1884 supplying mixers to local bars and today produces well-known brand names such as Hadrian Clear, Mr Fenwick’s and Villa Mixers.

The globally-recognised brand will now continue its expansion thanks to a new asset-based lending facility from Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance.

The funding package agreed will enable Villa Drinks to increase employee numbers from 37 to 54 and acquire new machinery to boost capacity and service increasing demand.

To capitalise on peak summer trading, the business has recently launched Wild juices, aimed at children and sold in an animal shaped bottle, and Bolt energy drinks.

The business has also recently secured a contract with a major national supermarket chain to supply its new range of Crystal juices, a ‘one of your five-a -day’ fruit drink.

Company owner Malcolm Slatcher said: “This is an exciting time for us as we have a number of new products to launch and contracts to fulfill. This requires a strong cash flow so we looked for a comprehensive funding package which would provide the capital needed to service the increased demand.”

Andrew Bentley, regional manager for Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance said: “Malcolm has pursued a clear strategy to ensure that Villa Drinks has prospered in the downturn and benefitted the local economy by creating valuable new jobs.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .