A CATERING equipment supplier, which works with restaurants across the North, is expanding as it marks its 25th anniversary.

Crosbys has moved to an 18,000sq ft warehouse, complete with larger offices and showroom space.

The firm supplies items such as crockery, cutlery and paper to more than 2,000 customers in the North, including bars, restaurants, schools and hospitals.

It also has agreements with London restaurants and Michelin establishments in the UK and overseas.

The business has steadily expanded since it was founded in 1990 by entrepreneur Bob Crosby, who supplied crockery from his van to eateries in Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Darlington, Sunderland and Durham.

Mr Crosby’s sons Roger, a former Barclays branch manager, and Ben, an ex-professional golfer for Ponteland Golf Club, joined the business to meet rising demand, and in its 25-year history they say it has now sold more than one million cups and saucers.

Roger Crosby, director, said: “We’re very proud of how far we’ve come.

“It’s amazing to look back at our first year turnover of £70,000.

“Last year, we achieved £70,000 every week, and this year will see the company exceed £5m.

“We started from humble beginnings in a van, but we’re now fast becoming a one-stop shop for the hospitality industry.”

The firm’s new base is in Brough Park Way, in Newcastle.