Wakefield businessman to create 25 jobs with new dessert production facility

A Yorkshire-based entrepreneur has announced plans to create dozens of jobs by investing millions in a new food-production site in Wakefield.

Founded by chartered accountant and culinary enthusiast Peter Ahye, the new business, Freaks of Nature, will produce plant-based desserts from a 14,000 sq ft blending facility in Ossett.

The company will create as many as 25 jobs when it opens in the Spring, with that figure due to rise to 80 as the venture grows to capacity – at which point the factory will be producing 125k pots per day.

Now, Freaks of Nature is recruiting for chefs and production team members, as well as a site engineer and head office roles from planning and administration to marketing and forecasting.

Peter, who has lived in Yorkshire since studying at the University of Leeds, said: “Investing back into the local region I’ve lived in for so many years is an important milestone in my business career.

“Wakefield is renowned for highly skilled people and top manufacturing talent, so we are absolutely delighted to be generating a number of new jobs with this venture.”

He added: “It has been encouraging that both the LEP and Wakefield Council have also supported this venture, as part of my small contribution to the Northern Powerhouse.”

The LEP provided the firm with a financial grant to support capital investment.

LEP chair Roger Marsh OBE commented: “It’s a really exciting time to grow a business in Leeds City Region and I’m delighted we can support this ambitious company to invest in great facilities.

“There will be new opportunities in the New Year for owners of small to medium businesses to get support to invest in their business. I hope Freaks of Nature take of advantage of this too. If you want to talk through what’s available, call the LEP team and we can keep you posted.”

In addition to the LEP support, Wakefield Council is providing the business with assistance in training and recruitment.

The Leader of Wakefield Council, Cllr Peter Box, said he believes Freaks of Nature’s decision to invest in Wakefield reflects the strong private sector confidence in the area as a business location, adding: “We have a great talent pool and a can-do attitude and this is attractive to entrepreneurs.

“I look forward to seeing the innovative Freaks of Nature establish themselves and grow. If you too want to grow your business, contact the LEP to see how they can help you too.”

Freaks of Nature’s dessert products will be available to consumers from April 2017.

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