Linda Lewis Kitchens Ltd (“LLK”), an Oldham-based importer of high-quality, Italian-manufactured catering equipment for UK restaurants, food outlets and professional caterers, is set to start exporting for the first-time following funding from Santander Business Banking.
Established in 2006 by businesswoman Linda Lewis, LLK made a real impact on the UK pizza market in 2010 when it landed the sole rights to Italian pizza oven brand Cuppone. Since then, LLK has grown into one of the UK’s leading specialists for all types of pizza equipment and ovens, importing brands such as FAC, Fimar, Elframo, Arris and Universo. In 2016, LLK introduced its own range of DEFRA-approved wood and gas living-flame ovens, offering customers a traditional cooking experience.
The business, which won ‘Business of the Year’ in the £1 million to £5 million category at the Oldham Business awards in 2018, has continued to expand and the firm recently won a major contract with JD Weatherspoon, which helped significantly boost its revenues. For the most recent financial year, turnover increased 53%, with similar growth forecast over the next 12 months.
Santander Business Banking has supported LLK for the past 12 years with a broad suite of products and services – including attendance at an APPInstitute Breakthrough Masterclass which helped Linda to launch a new app.
Most recently, the bank has provided a £500,000 invoice finance facility to manage cash flow, an asset finance facility to help with the purchase of a new van, and a £75,000 foreign exchange line. The business is now looking to seize international trading opportunities, and is working closely with Santander with a view to start exporting out of the UK within the next 12 months.
Linda Lewis, Owner, Linda Lewis Kitchens Ltd, said, “Santander has been a key partner for us over the past decade, and as we look to take the business to the next level and expand outside of the UK, the bank continues to play a key role in the business. We are excited by the opportunities we have both in the UK and abroad, and confident we will meet our aspirations.”
Afsar Hussain, Business Relationship Director, Santander Business Banking, said: “Linda Lewis Kitchens is a fantastic local business, richly deserving of its recent ‘Business of the Year’ award, and we’re delighted to be able to support Linda and the team as they invest for growth. Santander’s expertise in helping SMEs export is a key differentiator for the bank and our customers.”
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Notes to Editors
For media enquiries regarding Linda Lewis Kitchens please contact:
Grace Olivia Carr – Marketing Executive
T: (0161) 633 5797, E: grace@linda-lewis.co.uk
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Lara Lipsey T: 020 7756 4518 M: 07713 560 209 E: lara.lipsey@santander.co.uk
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