Walsall DIY curry firm to expand after securing new investment

Hare's Moor Limited was set up five years ago by Sally Hares, who started out selling bags of fresh ingredients to create homemade curries in a butcher's shop.

Since then the firm has gone from strength to strength and plans to use the new cash investment to extend its product range and move to a bigger HQ.

The company, based in based in John Street, has secured a loan and equity investment for an undisclosed sum from Coleshill-based IM Group Limited.

It is also hoped that the cash will help the firm build relationships with major UK supermarkets.

Bosses said they expected to be able to take on another two or three staff next year to boost their four-strong workforce.

Managing director Mrs Hares, of The Butts, Walsall, said: "I've always cooked from scratch but I don't like doing all the shopping.

"Rather than picking up a jar of sauce, I thought it would be great to have a bag of ingredients.

"I started off just making 10 kits and asking a butcher to sell them and they sold so well I continued.

"We now sell to Ocado but I'm hoping to take it to other supermarkets. We have had some interest from a major supermarket."

Ingredients in the kits include spices, ginger, garlic, chillies and curry leaves to which shoppers add their own meat, fish or vegetables.

The mother-of-three added: "They sell really well. We want to move to a larger premises which we are looking for. We are hoping to take on two or three people next year.

"As we get into supermarkets we will be able to get more and more people."

"This is an important and exciting step forward for our business. We will now be focussing on the hard work ahead to develop new product lines and plan for the premises."

Tony Seaton, associate director Blue Sky Corporate Finance, added: "We are delighted to have supported Sally and the Hare's Moors team through the structure of the investment deal and terms of engagement that have ultimately enabled them to proceed with their expansion plans."