Regal Food Acquires 45,000 sq ft Bradford Warehouse Facility

Bradford-based food and confectionary manufacturer Regal Food Products Group, which specialises in world food bakery and confectionery products and owns brands including Yorkshire Baking Company and Just Desserts Yorkshire, has bought the former FSD works on Hopbine Lane in Bradford.

The 45,000 sq ft warehouse building in the South Bowling area of the city was marketed and sold by property consultancy Eddisons, which is currently working with FSD to secure a new Bradford production site for the sliding doors manufacturer.

Eddisons associate director Matt Jennings said: “We were really pleased to be able to secure a rapid sale for FSD on their Hopbine Lane site. The freehold industrial market is increasingly robust due to an ongoing lack of supply and there is definitely healthy demand out there for sizeable warehouse space.”

He added: “It is great to see Regal Foods, another great Bradford company, step in to take this large unit to accommodate the firm’s growth and it’s a really positive sign that Bradford’s economy is doing well.”

Employing over 300 people, £32m turnover Regal Food has made a series of acquisitions, the most recent of which was of Leeds cake manufacturer Love Handmade Cakes in January. The firm currently operates from six sites across Bradford.

Regal Food CEO Younis Chaudhry said: “Following our latest acquisition earlier this year, we are really pleased to be bringing this new facility into the Regal group. The new addition promises to not only boost operations but play a key part in the development and growth of our business.”

He added: “As a company that has the Bradford community close to its heart, the new warehouse facility will create several new jobs, boosting employment in a range of areas of the business.”

Regal Wins National Family Business of the Year Award

Last week we attended the National Family Business of the Year Awards at the Royal College of Physicians where we were thrilled to win the Community Support & Involvement Award!

The prestigious event celebrated and recognised family businesses from across the nation who are contributing greatly to their sector.

UNHCR CEO Visits Regal House on World Refugee Day

On World Refugee Day, Regal Food Products Group Plc were delighted to be visited by UK for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees CEO Emma Chernaiasky and Advisory Board Member Nyra Mahmood, to discuss our CSR work both on a national and international level – an area of our business that we are so very passionate about.

Emma also thanked Regal Food Products Group Plc for their continued support and work, particularly during Ramadan this year, this led onto an insightful discussion on how we can further strengthen our role in making a difference to people’s lives.

Regal Foods Visits Dixons Academies Trust for Careers Week

Colleagues from across the group were invited into Dixons Academies Trust Allerton, to talk to year 3 and year 6 students about our work in the food and drink sector, our community initiatives and their own roles within the Regal Food Group.

Students also had the opportunity to design and decorate their very own Regal fairy cake using a range of techniques.

We thoroughly enjoyed our morning and would like to thank Dixons Allerton Academy for having us as part of their careers week.

HRH The Duke of Gloucester Visits Regal House

On Tuesday 23 April, HRH The Duke of Gloucester was given a warm welcome as he visited Regal House in Bradford, the head office site for Regal Food Products Group Plc.  

Ed Anderson CBE, The Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire greeted His Royal Highness before introducing him to Younis Chaudhry, the Chief Executive Officer of the Regal Food Group, who started the official visit with a meet and greet with staff, and a presentation on the group’s 20+ year journey and its portfolio of brands.

Followed by a behind the scenes tour of the bakery and manufacturing facilities, Younis Chaudhry guided HRH The of Duke Gloucester and The Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire around the bakery whilst witnessing some of Regal’s household favourites being created, including Maderia cakes, biscuits, pastries, and of course Cake Rusk.

A plaque which reads “To commemorate the visit of HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO to Regal House. Tuesday 23 April 2024” was unveiled to mark the occasion and the visit.

Younis Chaudhry, CEO of Regal Food Products Group plc adds:

“We were honored to host a special visit by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester today in celebration of our journey. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the work we do, not just within the food and drink industry, but the initiatives we support within communities around the world.”

“We have made significant investments and changes to our main manufacturing site and we were proud to show it off and wave the flag for Yorkshire manufacturing.”

“This event is a real milestone for Regal and it is one that will be remembered and celebrated for many years to come”.

Regal Host and Sponsor Women’s Millan Centre Community Lunch

On Wednesday 28 February Regal Food Products Group hosted and sponsored an over 50’s women’s community lunch in partnership with the Millan Centre.

Attended by over 30 women, many of whom suffer from isolation and mental health, the dinner held at a Bradford restaurant aimed to give attendees of the centre the opportunity and space to relax and socialise.

The Millan Centre is a community centre who run educational, social and health related activities for women and girls in the Manningham and Heaton area of Bradford.

Younis Chaudhry, CEO of Regal Food Products Group plc adds:

“As a business we value the work the Millan Centre does in raising awareness and breaking down barriers around social isolation and mental health, their invaluable activities within the Bradford community very much fall in line with our corporate social responsibility.”

Saliha Sadiq, Mental Health Director and Co-chair of Millan Centre adds:

“We are so thankful to Regal Foods for supporting and recognising the work we do at the centre. The ladies thoroughly enjoyed their afternoon out which instantly lifted their moods – A week on and they are still talking about how much they enjoyed the event!”

Regal Foods Team Join Bradford Community Kitchen to Feed the Homeless

On Friday 21 July, the team at Regal Food Products Group Plc teamed up with their charity of the year, Bradford Community Kitchen, to serve hot food to those living in food poverty at Campbell House in Bradford – an emergency accommodation facility.

Regal Food Products Group Plc also sponsored the buffet of hot food, as well providing a large selection of fresh fruit, delicious cakes, and hot and cold drinks. Attendees were able to enjoy a hot meal whilst having the opportunity to takeaway.

The community open kitchen was not only attended by the residents of Campbell House, but those who live in and around the Bradford area, with some travelling from as far as Batley.

The event was delivered in response to Regal’s missions of fighting food poverty.

Faz Ali, Regal Foods Group Sales Marketing Director said: “It’s really disheartening to see so many people struggle with the basic of a hot meal. At Regal we feel it is our duty to help and do what we can to eliminate food poverty.”

“I am very proud of our team at Regal Foods who share our company values of giving back, the fact they came in their own time to serve meals to those who are less fortunate is a shining example of their dedication.”

Abdul Satar, Co-founder and Trustee of Bradford Community Kitchen said: “We are very grateful to Regal Foods for their generous donation, sponsoring the event and more importantly to all at Regal Foods for volunteering on a Friday night, giving up their time, to serve the food to those in need.”

Regal Visit Dixons Allerton Academy for Careers Week

Team members from Regal’s marketing, technical, and new product development departments, were thrilled to be invited into Dixons Allerton Academy to talk about their roles within Regal Bakery and Regal’s family of brands as part of the schools careers week.

The presentation and workshop presented to over 60 primary school students gave an insight into our bakery brands and the products we bake. Students also had the opportunity to decorate their own Regal Bakery Fairy Cake to take home.

We had a fantastic time visiting the school and talking to the students – a big thank you goes to Mrs Nawaz at Dixons Allerton Academy for inviting Regal to be a part of their successful and inspiring careers week.

Regal Open Multi-Faith Prayer Room in Partnership with Bradford City AFC

Regal Food Products Group Plc has opened a new multi-faith prayer room at Valley Parade in partnership with Bradford City AFC.

Special guests were invited to join staff from Regal Foods and Bradford City AFC on Thursday 23 February for the official opening of a new multi-faith prayer room.

The new multi-faith prayer room has been designed with the aim of creating a quiet space for prayer and reflection for the staff of BCAFC and for those attending match days. A state-of-the-art wash facility has been installed, along with new flooring and furnishings, including footwear storage, seating, and decorative wall panelling.

Faz Ali, Group Sales Marketing Director of Regal Foods comments “As a Bradford business we are committed to making a difference in our community, and with thanks to the team at Bradford City AFC, we hope to have created an inclusive space that will not only provide a room for reflection and prayer for those attending on match days, but encourage those in the community with an interest in football to attend.”

“Our partnership and community work with BCAFC continues to grow and we look forward to sharing more developments and partnership news within the coming months.”

Davide Longo, Chief Commercial Officer of Bradford City AFC comments: “We are proud to have opened this impressive new facility at the University of Bradford Stadium, and would like to thank our friends at Regal Foods for their fantastic contribution. 

“Inclusion and diversity are key values we uphold as a club, and it remains a constant focus of ours to continue making Bradford City AFC as accessible as possible, in every way. 

“This room will be open to anyone who wishes to use it on matchdays, and represents a quiet space at Valley Parade in which everyone it welcomes can feel safe and at home. 

“Utilising club partnerships to influence positive change across the district makes us very proud, and we are looking forward to seeing many of you enjoy using our new multi-faith prayer room on matchdays.”

Regal Foods Announce Charity Partnership with Bradford Community Kitchen

Regal Food Products Group Plc has announced a 12-month partnership with Bradford Community Kitchen to strengthen the ongoing support and work received by the Regal food group.

The partnership with Bradford Community Kitchen aims to support, deliver, and grow its services through employee volunteering, Regal sponsored open kitchen events and fundraising activities.

With the continuous financial support Regal have provided, Bradford Community Kitchen have recently added a baby support service which has seen food, nappies, wipes, baby milk and formula and other vital products provided to those who are in need and require support from the charity.

Bradford Community Kitchen is a registered charity who provides hot meals and food parcels to people who are in crisis. The food bank operates 7 days a week between 10am-4pm.

Alec Gladok, Regal Food Products Group Plc Marketing Manager comments “We are thrilled to be welcoming Bradford Community Kitchen as our charity of the year. At Regal we have a strong commitment to our communities and to those who live in Bradford, with the cost of living becoming increasing difficulty, these services are now more important than ever. The work the charity deliver in Bradford is truly heartwarming and lifechanging, we look forward to strengthening our partnership and delivering on much needed volunteering and fund-raising activities throughout the year.”

Abdul Satar, Co-founder of Bradford Community Kitchen comments “Bradford Community Kitchen Foodbank are delighted to have been chosen as charity of the year by Regal Food Products Group. With this stronger partnership we will be able to help many more families in Bradford, from arranging open food kitchens to supporting the most vulnerable families. Regal Foods are a company that is giving back to the communities by supporting us, which we are very grateful for.”

Regal Provide and Serve 350 Meals at Community Kitchen

On Friday 10 February, Regal Food Products Group Plc partnered up with Bradford Community Kitchen to host an open kitchen and serve meals to those who are struggling to buy food on a daily basis.

The event held at Café West in Allerton welcomed over 350 people through its doors where they were greeted with a hot meal, served by a team of volunteers. A range of cakes, desserts and fruit were also available for families and individuals to take away and enjoy in the comfort of their own homes.

Bradford Community Kitchen is a registered charity who support those who are in need. The charity run a food bank operating 7 days a week between 10am-4pm.

Waqas Younis of Regal Food Products Group Plc comments “The event was very successful and one that really highlighted what challenging times we are living in, especially for those who attended.”

Abdul Satar, Co-founder of Bradford Community Kitchen comments “Bradford Community Kitchen foodbank are very grateful to Regal Food Products Plc for their continuous support over the years.

Especially in times like this when we have to deal with the cost-of-living crisis, we are a lifeline to many families that are financially struggling to put food on the table as with rising energy prices it’s either heat your home or put food on the table.”

“A big thank you to Regal Foods Products Plc for supporting families in these difficult times. With the generous financial donations we receive from Regal we have opened up a baby section at the food bank to help with baby milk, Baby food, Nappies, wipes and sanitary products. To arrange a collection please call 07888693196 7 days a week.”

Regal Donate £1,000 to Lord Mayor’s Big Neonatal Appeal

Regal Food Products Group Plc are proud to be supporting the 2022-23 Bradford Lord Mayor’s Appeal with a donation of £1,000 to Bradford’s Big Neonatal Appeal.

Bradford Hospitals’ Charity is working alongside the Neonatal Unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary to raise £3 million to create extra accommodation for mums and dads to stay close to their babies.

Bradford’s Neonatal Unit cares for up to 500 premature and sick babies each year. Around one baby in 10 requires admission to the unit, which takes babies from all over the Yorkshire and Humber region. Staff provide intensive care treatments to babies born as early as 23 weeks.

Plans for the refurbishment and expansion of the current unit promise to transform the experience of neonatal care for thousands of families across the region. Alongside superb clinical care, they can expect to find comfort, support, and space for reflection.

The Bradford Hospitals’ Charity has a major impact on many families across the district and Regal Foods are delighted to have the opportunity to support and give something back to the families of Bradford.

Regal Foods Crowned as Community Stars

Regal Foods have been crowned winners in the Business Making a Difference category at this year’s Bradford Community Stars Awards.

The special awards, organised by Bradford Metropolitan District Council, recognises the district’s unsung heroes and businesses who go above and beyond to help others.

Regal Foods community work within the Bradford District includes partnerships with Better Start Bradford, Mind in Bradford and Bradford Community Kitchen.

Regal Win West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce Community Award

Regal Food Products Group Plc are thrilled to have won the Community Award at the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce Raising the Bar Awards.

The awards enable businesses and employees to be recognised for all the hard work they put in to improve their local areas and the region they work and live in.

The Raising the Bar awards are one of the highlights of the region’s business calendar and celebrate the achievements businesses have made in the key areas of Community, Economy, Education and Environment.

Regal Raise £500 for Hospice on 10K Starlight Hike

The Regal Trekkers – a new name for the team of Regal walkers, took part in the Sue Ryder Starlight Hike to raise money for the Manorlands Hospice.

Raising £500, the 10k walk took the Regal Trekkers on a scenic hike through the open landscapes of the Worth Valley, including a visit through the famous Bronte Country.

Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice is in Oxenhope, near Keighley, West Yorkshire. As well as expert palliative care, Manorlands support people with life-limiting conditions, and their families.

Well done team Regal!

Regal Trekkers Raise £1,500 for MIND in Bradford

The team at Regal Food Products Group Plc walked from Whitby into Robin Hoods Bay via The Cleveland Way and back again along The Cinder Track, to raise money for their chosen charity of the year, Mind in Bradford.

Clocking up a total of 15 miles each, the team raised a fantastic £1,500 for the mental health charity who promote mental wellbeing across Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven.

It is MIND in Bradford’s aim to help people experiencing emotional and mental health problems towards recovery and a better life.

Alec Gladok, Marketing Manager of Regal Food Products Group Plc comments “it was an enormous achievement for everyone who joined and completed the 15-mile circular walk whilst raising money for a charity that we are all very proud to support”

Vote for Regal Foods – Barclays People’s Choice Award

Regal Food Products Group Plc are delighted to be highlighted as a finalist in this year’s Barclays Entrepreneur Awards in the International Expansion category.

The awards celebrate entrepreneurs for their exceptional innovation, and for creating social change and growth that’s moving the UK forward.

As part of this major achievement, Regal have also been put forward for the People’s Choice Award.

Please vote for us using the following link: https://bit.ly/3KF419c

Thank you for your continued support.

Regal Food Products Group Plc

Regal Support Community Bake Off Competition

Regal Foods were invited to support The Bake-Off Competition organised by Better Start Bradford. The competition was part of a summer school initiative that aims to break social isolation and bring dads and their children closer together through activities.

Zafar Kayani, Dads Engagement Officer, Better Start Bradford, said:

“The Bake-Off Competition was a fabulous way to finish on a high before DadsZone finished for the summer holidays.

Over the weeks of delivering a variety of activities, including woodwork, trips out, and baking, we have seen those bonds develop stronger and stronger between the dads and their children and each other.

It has been an amazing journey and we thank everyone that has been involved along the way, including a massive thank you to Regal Foods and Kris for judging our Bake Off competition and really making our families feel special.”

Kris, Technical Manager of Regal Foods said:

“It was an honour to judge the competition – the scones were all delicious. It was wonderful to see all the dads baking together with their young children. The work that Better Start Bradford’s Dads’ Community Engagement Officer, Zafar is doing with dads is so valuable and is clearly having a positive impact on their children.”

Regal Foods also made product donations to everyone taking part as well providing the winning prize.