A RICHMOND-based food supplier has beaten the odds after setting up business in the height of the recession and is now a top supplier for businesses from Northumberland to south of the Humber.

Yorkshire Quality Foods was born when colleagues David Hunter, Adrian Ellerton, Andrew Ridley and Gail Blanchard were made redundant from a similar food business.

The group had almost 100 years experience in the food production and distribution industry and despite having no start-up loans or capital, they set up a new business.

Ms Blanchard said: “We had to work quickly to reclaim and preserve our customer base and took on the business ourselves.

“One customer was close to moving on to a big supplier from outside the local area – we had to claw them all back and take on more.”

The company is now into its fourth year and specialises in the distribution and wholesale of fine food and local produce, serving customers from Northumberland, south of the Humber, Cumbria and the east coast.

Ms Blanchard added: “We aim to provide our customers with quality goods, backed by a quality service. “One is not achievable without the other - the quality of our products is paramount, always sourced from the best suppliers and, wherever possible, with local provenance.

“We consider the jewel in our crown to be our range of British and continental cheeses, including the full range of Wensleydale, Swaledale, and Shepherds Purse cheeses, along with those of smaller producers like Ribblesdale and Fortmayne Dairies.

“We also stock charcuterie, bacon, dry goods, olives, sun blushed tomatoes, and luxury preserved vegetables.

“Above all, we are accountable. All you have to do is dial our number to speak to someone who cares, and we will always try and go that extra mile when a last minute need arises.

“We like to think of ourselves as ‘strong enough to deliver but small enough to care’.”

Yorkshire Quality Foods is based in Racecourse Road, Richmond. For more information call 01748-850850.