Business

Newry-based Around Noon announces £500k expansion plans

Pictured are: Howard Farquhar, chairman of Around Noon; John Mathers, Barclays Corporate Banking; and Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon
Pictured are: Howard Farquhar, chairman of Around Noon; John Mathers, Barclays Corporate Banking; and Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon Pictured are: Howard Farquhar, chairman of Around Noon; John Mathers, Barclays Corporate Banking; and Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon

FOOD-to-go manufacturer Around Noon has announced it is investing £500,000 in the business as part of ongoing expansion plans.

The Newry-headquartered business is improving its facilities, enhancing IT systems and increasing automation, as part of the major investment, supported by Barclays.

There are also plans to grow products, services, staff numbers, as well as add further companies to the Around Noon portfolio in the near future.

Howard Farquhar, chairman of Around Noon believes that working with Barclays will help the company meet its ambitious growth targets.

“Barclays put together an impressive proposal to support Around Noon’s strategic growth plan, which includes investing significantly in order to increase business with existing customers and to facilitate further acquisitions," he said.

“We feel that the relationship is the right fit for us as a business, given the expertise of the Barclays team locally, as well as the experience and coverage that the bank can offer in a range of markets."

John Mathers, corporate development director at Barclays Corporate Banking added: “We have been very impressed with the growth of Around Noon and the energy and ambition of the team."

"Around Noon is a fantastic business and we are very pleased to be able to play a supporting role in its ongoing growth," Mr Mathers said.

Featuring in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 listing in both 2017 and 2018, Around Noon is one of the fastest-growing food businesses in the UK and Ireland. It supplies a wide range of sandwiches, wraps, salads, bakery items and cold-pressed juices to leading coffee-shop chains, convenience retailers and contract caterers.

In addition to its Newry base, the food-to-go specialist has a manufacturing facility in greater London and currently employs more than 330 people.

In recent years the company has completed the acquisition of two businesses namely; London-based Chef-in-a-Box and Sweet Things Bakery, which was originally located in Dublin.