UK ice cream manufacturer Northern Bloc has secured investment from Santander Business Banking to increase its production capacity.

The Leeds-based company said it was anticipating a fivefold increase in its revenue over the next year following the six-figure investment from Santander. Northern Bloc told just-food it was expecting to boost its workforce by 20% in the coming year to handle the increased capacity.

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“Innovation is at the heart of Northern Bloc, and experimenting with new flavours and products is key to our growth and development,” said co-founder and director Josh Lee. “The funding from Santander has enabled us to invest for growth and acquire the talent need to make our ambitious plans a reality.”

Lee said the company is aiming for turnover of “well over a million” for the current financial year.

Northern Bloc does not yet have plans to export its products, instead focusing on the domestic market before branching out overseas. “We are looking to distribute nationally across all ranges,” explained Lee. “We will continue to build the team here in Leeds as our output increases.”

Products include traditional flavours with a twist, such as Chocolate & Sea Salt, Strawberry & Black Pepper, Raspberry & Sorrell and Hazelnut & Tonka Bean.

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The ice cream is available in three ranges – one for the retail sector, one for the leisure range and a five-litre Napoli scooping range for the foodservice sector. Listed in The Co-op, Waitrose and a growing list of independent retailers across the country, Northern Bloc will soon be available via Ocado.

Former Asda CEO Allan Leighton, who is the current chairman of The Co-op, is listed in Companies House as one of Northern Bloc’s directors.

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