A specialist business importing Madagascan vanilla has expanded its premises and created three new jobs thanks to a £24,400 grant from the Keighley Towns Fund.

Former chef Graham Bruce founded Vanilla Etc in 2011 after finding it difficult to source high-quality vanilla products in the UK.

The business, based at Oakwood Business Park in Keighley, currently has six employees, importing vanilla, supplying gourmet vanilla beans, powder, seeds and manufacturing vanilla bean paste and vanilla extracts in various strengths.

With the Government-funded grant from the Keighley Towns Fund, the business has purchased equipment which enables them to mill vanilla beans into powder on site. They have also extended their business premises by leasing the adjacent unit and fitting it out, including building a new mezzanine floor.

Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, transport and planning, Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw said: “The council’s Economic Development Service have provided assistance with the business development of Vanilla Etc including the recruitment of new staff to facilitate future business growth. We are delighted to support Keighley’s thriving business community.”

Liz Barker, acting chair of the Keighley Towns Fund  added: “The Keighley Towns Fund is proud to support such a unique and growing Keighley business, with money srom the Capital Assistance to Business Growth programme. There is more funding available for other businesses in the area to apply so we’d encourage people to contact us if they think they might benefit.”

Finance sales and technical director Natalie Madgett said: “With the grant’s assistance, we’ve expanded our manufacturing capacity to meet the growing demand for our Madagascan vanilla products, resulting in the creation of three new jobs. We’re committed to contributing to the community, fostering employment opportunities, and showcasing Keighley as a place we’re proud to call home.”

The Keighley Towns Fund is a £33.6m Government-funded support programme. The Towns Fund Capital Assistance to Business Growth Programme Funding is available up to March 2026.

Source: https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/yorkshire/news/2120380-vanilla-business-grows-with-towns-fund-support?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Yorkshire_23rd_Feb_2024_Daily