A BAKERY aims to create more than 40 jobs in a major expansion after receiving significant funding support.

Olivia’s Artisan Bakery and Cafe, headquartered in Darlington, says it will move into a new larger production site in the town.

Bosses say its existing workforce of about 60 could rise to more than 100, adding it will open more outlets in the region and focus on attracting greater commercial customers.

Olivia’s has sites in Northallerton, Stokesley and Thirsk, North Yorkshire, and works with the Clervaux Trust to support young people with learning difficulties, giving a proportion of its profits.

Its management team took over the business from the trust two years ago, and has since expanded to sell artisan bread to local hotels, restaurants and pubs.

It has now received backing from regional fund management firm NEL Fund Managers in the form of a six-figure investment from The Finance for Business North East Growth Fund.

Bosses also secured a similar sum from The Business Investors Group Syndicate, with further support from Northumbria Asset Finance and Tees Valley Unlimited local enterprise partnership.

Rick McCordall, managing director, said: “The surge in interest in where the food comes from, and more specifically in baking, has created an excellent climate in which we've been able to grow to our present size.

“Our aim now is to create a successful brand and ethos that’s clearly understood and appreciated right across the region, and the success we’ve had so far gives us confidence this is very much an achievable goal.

“The move to new facilities will increase the capacity we need to capitalise on the demand we know is out there among the region’s quality pubs, restaurants and hotels, but which we’ve not had the opportunity to go after so far.

“Improving our training, marketing and financial systems alongside these production enhancements will take the business on to a new level, and having these investors on board adds great credibility to the plans we're now looking to execute.”

Jane Siddle, NEL Fund Managers’ investment executive, added: “Olivia’s has a clear plan for extending the brand’s reach while staying true to the ethos on which it has been built.

“We are excited to see how they now grow their footprint right across the region.”