The new offices, and cold storage unit will see a number of smaller sites coming together under one roof as WFM continues to see increasing demand from a growing customer base. The company will benefit from closer control of resources as well as lower costs for warehousing and other support services.
Warner Fish Merchants Managing Director Gary Warner said: This is the culmination of a lot of hard work all across the business. Were delighted that Lloyds Bank shares our vision for growth and have supported us with a new financial package.
We are continuing to see strong demand for our services based on our high quality and competitive nature. We are where we are because businesses can rely on us to deliver and we do not want anything to compromise that which is why we have taken the decision to invest in growing our business. Weve also been supported by the Marine Management Organisation with additional funding for our work with sustainable fishing and if we progress as planned we will be creating new jobs too.
Covering thirteen thousand square feet, Decoy Bank will become a centre of distribution for fish and chip shops all over the UK and Ireland and even Australia.
Ryan Sorby, Relationship Manager, Lloyds Bank said: This is more evidence of our support for local businesses by local based teams who understand the customer needs. Warner Fish Merchants has experienced strong growth in a tough environment.
Weve supported them in a number of ways historically but when Gary and his team put their ideas to us we were more than happy to find a way to make it happen. They are a strong team with a superb track record and a solid plan for further growth in the business.
Founded in 1941 by Albert Warner, the business has grown from a wet fish and fruit stall though stalls at Doncaster and Rotherham Markets before becoming a wholesale distributor in 1972. Today, the company employs 23 and runs a fleet of specialised vans across the country. Warner Fish Merchants is the by far the leading Importer of Icelandic frozen at sea products in the UK working with leading Icelandic firm HB Grandi.
Warners to Catch More Business With New 1.5m Facility
Warner Fish Merchants (WFM), one of the leading retailers to independent fish and chip shops across England, has opened a new office and cold store facility at Decoy Bank in Doncaster. The company has been supported by a 1.5m fund from Lloyds Bank Wholesale Banking and Markets in Sheffield.
by Lucy Towers
