Bakery business sinks teeth into growth plans

Family-owned bakery business Duncan's of Deeside is to expand and create additional jobs thanks to a funding deal.

Paul Duncan, Len Duncan and Ian Grant.

The Aberdeenshire firm, which is acclaimed for its hand-baked shortbread and oatcakes, has constructed a new warehouse that will free up the current storage area for the introduction of new production space. The move should help create up to ten jobs.

The project was assisted by a funding package from Clydesdale Bank’s Aberdeen banking centre, with the deal delivered by relationship manager Ian Grant.

Founded over three decades ago, Duncan’s of Deeside is led by managing directors Len and Dawn Duncan. Len’s mother, Betty, started the business by baking biscuits in her kitchen for neighbours and the local village shop.

Son Paul Duncan said: “We anticipate a very busy 2016. We recently introduced four new flavours of biscuits and the implementation of the extension will create much more opportunity for product development.

“As Scotland’s reputation for fantastic food and drink continues to grow, demand is increasing for our quality hand baked goods. Clydesdale Bank’s experience and knowledge of the sector is helping us to expand and make the most of the appetite for our biscuits.”

Currently, Duncan’s of Deeside employs 15 full-time staff. Creating extra space will allow the company to upscale operations considerably.