Simply Doughnuts Ltd based in Blackburn produces long shelf life doughnuts, which stay fresh for up to 20 days.

Established in 2013 by owner, Shiraz Master, the business has seen rapid growth, thanks in part to high profile stockists including Tesco and Iceland stocking their innovative product which offer a longer shelf life that competing products.

Rapid growth for Simply Doughnuts meant that the business had reached production capacity and needed to find a way to improve processes, fulfil new orders and win new business. The business was also keen to implement a marketing strategy to ensure long-term business success.

Shiraz met with his manufacturing advisor at the Simply Doughnuts factory and following a site visit, they developed a 12 week improvement project to be delivered by a lean manufacturing and business strategy consultant. The project would be 30% funded by the Manufacturing Growth Fund, which provides grants for growth projects in the North West of England.

After completion of the project Shiraz said: 

“The support helped to improve the overall performance and profitability of the business and as a result we have created two new jobs and forecast £75,000 increase of sales.

“We were able to identify where we had bottlenecks and seek solutions to improve this. We were also able to identify what we needed to do to maximise customer value while minimising waste.

"Additionally, we developed a marketing strategy covering areas including target markets and products as well as looking for opportunities for growth, focusing on short term and long term customers and how to effectively market our products to secure long term contracts.”

Alan Reid, Manufacturing Growth Fund Advisor for Lancashire said:

"The Manufacturing Growth Fund isn’t just about grant funding. Uniquely it provides the opportunity to review a businesses growth potential and formulate a plan with a specialist manufacturing advisor. This expert guidance sets this fund apart by reassuring the business they’re investing wisely and maximising return on investment.”

Shiraz adds: “My advisor had a vast amount of knowledge and was able to address all my concerns. I feel like my time with him was highly beneficial and has given me the support and motivation to continue growing my business.

"I feel I have a lot more knowledge. Starting up and growing a business is never easy and having access to specialist manufacturing support has been invaluable.”

To find out more about the Manufacturing Growth Fund and how it could support your business click here.