Four Anjels to relocate to new HQ after £1.5m package from Natwest

Biscuit and cake manufacturer, Four Anjels, is relocating to a new, larger HQ, thanks to a £1.5 million funding package from NatWest. The move follows a period of significant growth for the firm after it secured a contract with M&S Café for the supply of baked goods in 2020/1.

Currently operating out of a 4,500sqft bakery in Moreton-in-Marsh, the business will take up residence at its new 24,827 sq ft site at Furlong Park, Cheltenham in March. The funding provided by NatWest will be used to facilitate fit-out-works to create a state-of-the-art factory and bakery.

The expansion will create 20 new roles at the new Cotswolds HQ, in addition to the 40 positions currently held, which Four Anjels expects to double to 120 over the next year, helping to strengthen the local economy.

Founded in 2010 by Andrea Stevens and Dr Barry Cronin, and today led by Andrea and Julie Painting, Four Anjels has grown to encompass an impressive portfolio of clients which also includes Pret A Manger and Dunelm.

Producing around 20 product lines every week– ranging from shortbread to gluten-free brownies – and with an average output of 700,000 portions per month, the firm prides itself on producing all its goods by hand and from scratch using ‘cupboard’ ingredients.

The manufacturer will also expand its range of free-from and vegan product ranges in response to growing demand from its customers. A purpose-built bakery pod, also funded by NatWest, will be installed in the new factory to develop these product lines, which are expected to attract prospective new customers given the breadth of the range.

Andrea Stevens, Managing Director at Four Anjels, commented: “It has been an incredibly exciting period of growth at Four Anjels, particularly through our relationship with M&S. The new premises will allow us to comfortably take on new business opportunities and welcome more team members, as well as develop new products as we embark on an ambitous business growth strategy.

“The funding and support from NatWest has given us the confidence to make our growth ambitions a reality. We look forward to more opportunities to work together as our business evolves further.”

Alexander Jones, Relationship Manager at NatWest, said: “Four Anjels holds a unique position in the market as a relatively high-volume producer of handmade, high-quality products. It has been a pleasure to be able to support the organisation to reach its growth target and we wish them every success on the next phase of their journey.”