A popcorn and confectionery manufacturer, which received a substantial grant towards its expansion from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, will be launching new product lines at the world’s largest sweets and snacks trade fair.
Tommy Tucker, based in Worksop, manufactures and supplies a wide variety of sweet stuffs; including crisps, sweets and its luxury popcorn, to cinemas, trade and the public.
It will be at the ISM Trade Fair – the world’s largest trade fair for sweets and snacks – in Cologne, Germany, from January 31 to February 3 (2016); where it will be launching new product ranges (at Stand HO39, Hall 4.2). The annual event attracted more than 37,000 visitors and over 1,500 exhibitors this year (2015).
Tommy Tucker recently received a £62,500 Unlocking Investment for Growth (UI4G) grant from D2N2. This grant was used as part of a £300,000 company investment which enabled it to employ 11 extra full-time staff, bring in new machinery, create new products and expand its operations in order to enter new markets.
In June (2015) Tommy Tucker acquired the flapjack business RJ Foods, which helped it to diversify its offer to customers. The manufacturer also runs regular movie tie-ins for its products, relating to Disney and other film franchises.
At the time Tommy Tucker received the D2N2 grant, Simon Stanham, company Financial Director, said: “The machinery brought in is the main element to this project and, without getting the capital support from D2N2, we would not have been able to press ahead.”
The D2N2 UI4G programme has been supported by the Regional Growth Fund and the European Regional Development Fund. UI4G grant awards are given by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership Investment Panel, chaired by Board Member Peter Gadsby. The aim of the fund is to create long term sustainable jobs.
UI4G is now fully committed and no longer accepting applications. Grants already approved will create over 400 new jobs and safeguard a further 350. The programme has inspired business owners in the D2N2 area to invest over £20million, alongside the grant support, to grow their businesses.
For more on the work of D2N2 and its Unlocking Investment for Growth programme see our website at www.d2n2lep.org/UI4G
Media wanting further information about the work of the D2N2 LEP can contact Sean Kirby, D2N2 Communications Manager, on 0115 9578749 or email: sean.kirby@d2n2lep.org
