Member Article

New premises the perfect base for Ashington cake decorations manufacturer

An Ashington cake decorations manufacturer has expanded into new premises, following a £150k investment.

BakeArt UK Ltd was able to make the move following support from Arch, the Northumberland Development Company.

The firm will lease and kit-out two new units to extend its manufacturing operations, which MD Tony Wadley describes as ‘the perfect base for us’.

Launched in 2010, the business employs 25 staff and specialises in the design and production of bespoke cake decorations for major retailers including Tesco, Marks & Spencer and a number of national high street bakery chains.

Arch has supported business partners Malcolm Hemmings and Tony Wadley to facilitate the expansion by identifying and advising them on a deal, which saw BakeArt UK Ltd increase the number of units leased at Merchant Court from three to five, with a total floor space of 7,500sq ft.

BakeArt MD, Tony Wadley, said: “When we launched our client base was mainly in the UK but we’re now selling into Ireland and France with plans to export across Europe from 2016. A major benefit of working with the commercial team at Arch is their speed and flexibility.

“They quickly assessed and understood the needs of the business. Working across multiple sites was not an option. As a growing company it was vital to secure additional units in close proximity to our HQ and to move quickly with minimal disruption.

“We are grateful to Arch for helping us realise this opportunity. South East Northumberland is the perfect base for us. Business space is relatively inexpensive, there’s excellent transport links and an experienced talent pool to draw from thanks to its tradition in food production and manufacturing.”

The new units have increased BakeArt’s manufacturing capacity, storage and office space.

Arch Group chairman and deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, councillor Dave Ledger, said: “Arch has a clear economic focus designed to bring a fresh, more enterprising and business-like approach to development and regeneration in the county

“We are proud to work with ambitious local companies like BakeArt. They are a perfect example of a young company which really hit the ground running. Their hard work and dedication has paid off and it is fantastic that we are able to offer the business more space when and where it’s needed.”