Upmarket cheesecake company Rhokett, which supplies Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s, has opened its third factory in Kent after securing £1.5m in bank fundings.

The new 22,000sq ft factory is the company’s second in the village of Hawkhurst and doubles its capacity, as well as leading to the creation of 50 new jobs. Rhokett was set up in 2001 with help from chef Gary Rhodes, OBE.

The new factory was financed with a £900,000 loan from HSBC, along with a £600k asset finance facility from the bank to help fund the fit-out of the premises.

Chairman Peter Le Voir said: "The doubling of capacity is in response to high levels of demand for our bespoke desserts, cakes and related products. We are proud of the contribution that we can make including the provision of increasing employment opportunities."

Rhokett plans to increase its current annual turnover of around £12m to £15m next year.