MOORSFRESH, the Pickering-based Yorkshire produce distributor, has announced a massive expansion.

The growth spurt means establishing two new depots, more vehicles and at least five new jobs following the success of its first full year.

The company, which specialises in marketing and distributing locally-sourced produce to businesses, shops, restaurants and pubs all over the county, has relied on its Pickering depot so far, but now is opening two more sites, in Melmerby and Doncaster, from which will be distributed its broad range of Yorkshire goods.

Launched in March 2003, the venture now has 11 staff and five vehicles distributing fresh produce, including eggs, cheeses, beer, bread and fresh meats from 55 local suppliers.

Nigel Brotherton, joint managing director with Tony Cooke, said: "We are growing our customer base, suppliers and turnover by 15 per cent every month, and we need two more depots in the right locations to ensure we have the best coverage of the Yorkshire and Humber region. Our support from Business In The Community is helping us reach more customers and suppliers that can benefit from the service we offer, and we fully expect to continue our growth consistently for some time to come."

The business has been supported by Rural Action Programme of Business In The Community (BITC), which aims to help rural businesses thrive through several initiatives, including the promotion of local sourcing of produce.

Deborah Siswick, rural manager for BITC North Yorkshire, said: "This is a great example of how rural businesses can thrive if they pull together, and we are delighted that Moorsfresh has been able to grow so quickly while providing a crucial service to rural producers. Our region makes some of the UK's best produce, especially cheeses, specialty meats and fresh vegetables, and we are keen to help Moorsfresh ensure that as much as possible of this local produce is used by restaurants, hotels and pubs here in Yorkshire."

The runaway success of the venture, which turned over more than £300,000 from a standing start in its first year, has generated additional income and prosperity for dozens of farmers and specialist producers who need to diversify their activities in a tough rural business climate.

The venture has the backing of Yorkshire Forward, DEFRA and North Yorkshire County Council which all preach the potential benefits of businesses supplying each other with regional produce of the highest quality.

Updated: 11:02 Wednesday, April 07, 2004