Warrens Bakery, the world’s oldest pasty maker and the oldest commercial bakery in Cornwall, has received £1.6 million funding to rebrand and expand its retail activities in the West Country and beyond.

Established in 1860, the business makes and supplys pasties, savouries, artisan breads, cakes, scones and sweet bakery products. It also supplies major retailers and wholesalers, both in the UK and overseas, through its trade division, 'Simply Cornish'.

Warrens Bakery has two major production units in St. Just, Cornwall and Plymouth, Devon.

The bakery also operates 50 retail outlets across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, employing approximately 480 people.

Mark Sullivan, Chairman of Warrens Bakery, plans to use the funding to support the continued refurbishment and rebranding of existing outlets and expand the business with the development of new stores.

The funding package from Santander’s Breakthrough Programme is comprised of a Growth Capital facility of £1.6 million, structured over a five year term. Accountants Bishop Fleming provided due diligence on the transaction and law firm Thrings provided legal documentation on behalf of Santander.

Santander’s Breakthrough programme aims to support fast growth small businesses, to help them fulfil their potential. As well as funding, Breakthrough offers companies access to trade missions, business master classes, networking events and support in areas such as finance and marketing.

Mark Sullivan, Chairman of Warrens Bakery said: “We’ve always had big ambitions for Warrens since acquiring the business in 2013 and recognising the enormous potential of the brand. The investment and strong personal support and involvement from Santander will help us to complete the next phase of growth, as we develop the brand and product range through our own stores, as well as with wholesale and retail customers.”