Batch’d cooks up ambitious expansion plans

An artisan dessert retailer is whipping up expansion plans after securing investment.

Leeds-based Batch’d is set to grow after receiving £1.1 million from Finance Yorkshire. 

The retailer, which operates 25 sites across the UK, aims to double both its outlets and workforce within three years.

Batch’d offers freshly baked brownies, doughnuts, cookies, milkshakes, ice cream and speciality drinks, all handcrafted daily at its regional bakeries. 

Bosses say the company plans to grow to 50 locations by 2029, increasing staff headcount from 145 to 300, while expanding its regional supply chain to meet rising demand. 

They add that the investment will support new shopping centre, travel hub and high street sites, as well as standalone repurposed shipping containers which can be installed outdoors at retail parks.

This, combined with the launch of a customer app with offers and loyalty rewards, will help turnover grow from £6.5 million to potentially £20 million over three years.

Harry Clavane, managing director of Batch’d, said: “Our bakeries make quality artisanal products in Yorkshire which are delivered daily across the country. 

“We work with our bakeries to innovate and develop new products, offering variety to customers which is what sets us apart from others in the bakery sector.

“Finance Yorkshire helps businesses like ours to grow and its investment will enable us to open more stores and create new jobs, both in Yorkshire and beyond.”

Finance Yorkshire has backed 70 SMEs over the past three years, helping create or safeguard more than 780 jobs and attract £30 million in private sector investment.

Its growth, seedcorn and loan funds are expected to total £50 million by 2027, enabling further SME expansion across Yorkshire and the Humber.

Alex McWhirter, chief executive of Finance Yorkshire, added: “Batch’d is to be congratulated on its growth since launching just five years ago. 

“It has become a highly recognised brand and popular outlet in Yorkshire, both at Meadowhall in Sheffield and the White Rose Centre, in Leeds.

“Our investment will accelerate the company’s ambitions to expand and create jobs, particularly in its regional based supply chain, making a significant contribution to the wealth of the Yorkshire economy.”

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