Member Article

Newcastle independent supermarket looks to break £4m turnover mark

Newcastle-based retail business M A Brothers has announced expansion plans with investment in new equipment and new funding solutions from Barclays.

Established in 1966, the company employs 35 staff locally and turnover is expected to exceed £4m this year.

The independent supermarket, located at Elswick Road, was set up by the father of local entrepreneur brothers Irfan and Imran Asghar.

Following increasing demand, the pair are refurbishing the premises and developing new produce for their customers with the recent installation of the tandoor ovens.

Irfan Asghar, Partner, MA Brothers, said: “We need to continue with our investment programme to meet the increasing demand for our quality food and the selection of Asian specialities remains the key focus of our business.

“As well as our local customers, we are also a wholesale supplier to many retailers across the North East and the new Tandoor ovens have been a resounding success. Barclays has provided a term loan which will provide the flexibility for us to continue on our growth journey.”

Martin Griggs, Barclays Business Banking Manager, arranged the funding for the deal and said: “I have been working with Irfan and Imran for some time now to see how we can support their growth and provide the facilities to take them to the next exciting chapter for the business.

“The funding deal will provide them with more flexibility for their expansion plans and I am confident we will see this fast growing and ambitious business going from strength to strength.”