Batch’d is planning to double its retail estate over the next three years following a £1.1m investment from Finance Yorkshire.
The Leeds-based sweet treat specialist currently operates 25 sites including in Leeds, York, Sheffield, Manchester, Leicester, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Milton Keynes, London, Newcastle, and Glasgow.
Batch’d shops and kiosks stock fresh brownies, doughnuts, and cookies supplied by independent Yorkshire bakeries. They also sell milkshakes, speciality drinks like matcha, and ice cream, the latter being the standout product launch of last year.
The new funding will be used to open of more sites at shopping centres, travel hubs, and on the high street – it unveiled its most recent estate addition in Lakeside Shopping Centre, Essex, on 17 September.
Batch’d is also investing in standalone repurposed shipping containers which can be installed outdoors at retail parks and is developing an app to provide offers and loyalty schemes to customers.
As part of the expansion, the company is expecting to more than double its workforce from 145 to 300 people by 2029, with the jobs in its supply chain predominantly based in the Yorkshire region. It previously outlined a target of growing its turnover from £6.5m to £20m, including via online sales, after securing a £250,000 loan from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance in 2023.
“Our bakeries make quality artisanal products in Yorkshire which are delivered daily across the country,” commented Batch’d managing director Harry Clavane. “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,” he added.
Finance Yorkshire CEO Alex McWhirter said 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, Leeds,” he expressed.
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