Laila’s Fine Foods is celebrating the silver anniversary of its opening for business by driving forward to generate record turnover of more than £12m. in the current financial year.
The Blackpool based company started in the home kitchen of Mrs. Laila Remtulla in 1986 and later that year moved into a small production unit where it hand prepared high quality Indian products.
Mrs. Remtulla was joined in the business by husband Alnazir in 1999 and shortly thereafter the company moved into larger premises. Over time, daughters Zera, Rishma and Natasha became involved and all are now directors of the company.
Four years ago the company achieved a record turnover of £2.7m. and the decision was made to move into a 33,000 sq. feet factory in Bispham, on the northern outskirts of Blackpool.
Driven by expanding contracts with two major multiples Laila’s Fine Foods’ turnover grew to £9.5m. last year and is comfortably ahead of schedule to exceed £12m. this year. The retail multiples and a franchised doorstep delivery operation currently account for 65% of the business.
The company makes a huge range of award-winning authentic British, Indian, Italian and Far Eastern ready meals, plus a range of international favourites including traditional roast meals, beef lasagne, pesto penne, chicken tikka masala, prawn bhuna, chicken in blackbeans and satay noodles.
A focus on people has been a key element in driving upward the profitable growth of the company.
“The family developed into a cohesive management unit and then, as the business expanded, we were able to introduce supplementary specialist skills from outside with the appointment of Mark Richardson as factory manager, Ian Tonks as financial controller and others in quality assurance, logistics and accounts,” said Mrs. Remtulla.
“It is a team effort that has driven the huge expansion of the business over the last four years and enabled us to increase the numbers employed to 140,” she added.
Laila’s Fine Foods
Rishma/Zera Remtulla
Tel. 01253 594342
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