Fish supplier Barfoot expands in London

Barfoot fish and seafood wholesaler has announced its intended expansion in London's hotel and leisure sector after securing funding from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

Barfoot, which has an annual turnover of £2million, approached Lloyds Bank, its long-term banking provider, which supplied a working capital facility to help facilitate its growth.

The family-run wholesaler sources fish from coastal partners across Cornwall and Scotland and London's markets and was launched in the 1970s by Dick Barfoot who also owns Sweetings Restaurant. Barfoot is now managed by Dick's son-in-laws Rick Knowler and Mark Gray, who employ a team of seven.

Mark Gray, director of Barfoot, said: "We've got a great reputation for providing high-quality products to some of London's top hotels, restaurants and casinos and after a fantastic sales year, we were keen to build on this and reach out to more locations.

Keith Breavington, regional manager for Working Capital Solutions, Global Transaction Banking and SME added: “Barfoot has a long history of providing the finest food to the capital’s diners. It’s achieved such success already and it’s great to see the team keen to drive the business forward.

Recipe: Butter fried Dover sole with spicy shiso ponzu by Scott Hallsworth National Fish & Chip Awards 2018 open for entries