“We’re very fortunate to be in the same building as the Marches Growth Hub, meaning we can literally walk around the corner and get access to the advice and support that’s available.”
Jacqueline Champion, Managing Director, Champion & Reeves
Highlights:
About
Jacqueline Champion and Andrew Reeves started their confectionary business from their kitchen, as Andrew experimented with recreating the quality of nougat he remembered as a boy.
When market research revealed a demand for his recipes, the couple decided to turn the hobby into a larger business, launching a crowdfunding bid which achieved a £165,000 boost from 67 investors. The company now operates from a commercial food processing facility in Shrewsbury and employs dedicated kitchen and administrative staff.
Using 100% natural ingredients and sourcing from this region wherever possible, the company is well placed to continue scaling up its operation while maintaining the quality which has made it a success. Champion & Reeves won the Best New Business in Shropshire award in 2016 and had its current premises officially opened by Prince Andrew, in March 2017.
The business challenge
Demand is growing for the Champion & Reeves range both at home and overseas. It’s products are available in leading delicatessens and retailers throughout the country and are known to have been made available in Royal households. Now the company is targeting increased production capacity, sales and export growth.
How the Marches Growth Hub helped
A move to a 3,000 sq ft unit at the Shropshire Food Enterprise Centre, also home to the Marches Growth Hub, has seen the company increase the quantities of high quality nougat, butterscotch and toffee which it makes. Working with Marches Growth Hub partner, the Department for International Trade, the company is now exporting to Japan and sees the United States as a potential new market for its quality products.
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