York ice cream manufacturer expands operations with £30k LEP grant

Yorvale, a York based ice cream manufacturer, has been able to convert a former farm building into a cold store room and implement water saving methods after receiving a £30k grant from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

With this grant, Yorvale has expanded production facilities and employed three new members of staff.

Established in 1989 when Ian and Lesley Buxton began using the surplus milk from their dairy farm in North Yorkshire to create ice cream, Yorvale initially began selling its products into the foodservice industry and today it is a key competitor within the sector, currently employing 16 members of staff.

Supported by the LEP grant, the business has now converted an old farm building into a cold store room that can store 70 pallets. Yorvale is now able to store its products internally, which has ensured the business remains in full control of its production line, and saves out buying costs.

The grant was part of a £154.6k investment that also saw a water storage unit installed. The dirty water store collects 1.6 million litres of wastewater that is stored for six months and then sprayed on the land as organic fertiliser.

Yorvale recently employed a commercial manager to assist the business with its expansion. Roger Marsh, Chair of the LEP, said: “We are thrilled to have been able to assist Yorvale in this strategic investment. Yorvale ice cream is a well-loved Yorkshire business and the LEP is pleased to have provided a grant to support employment in one of the region’s key sectors.”

Lesley Buxton added: “The grant was welcomed by the business as it was necessary for the large investment we made. We would recommend the LEP to any businesses within the area who are looking to grow.”