YORK ice cream manufacturer Yorvale is fully operating a new cold store room converted out of a former farm building, with three new members of staff after securing a £30,000 grant.

The funding was awarded by the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which covers York, and has also resulted in Yorvale implementing water saving methods as well as expanding its production facilities.

The business, which dates back to 1989 when farmers Ian and Lesley Buxton began using the surplus milk from their dairy farm to create ice cream, began selling its products into the foodservice industry.

Today Yorvale is a key competitor within the sector, currently employing 18 members of staff.

Supported by the LEP grant, the business has converted an old farm building into a cold store room that can store 70 pallets.

The conversion allows Yorvale to store its products internally, which has ensured the business remains in full control of its production line, and saves out buying costs.

The grant was part of a £154,600 investment that also saw a water storage unit installed. The dirty water store collects 1.6 million litres of waste water that is stored for six months and then sprayed on the land as organic fertiliser.

Mrs Buxton, co-founder of Yorvale, said the investment was necessary to help the business grow further within the foodservice sector, and expand into the retail market.

Yorvale recently employed a commercial manager to aid the business in its expansion.

Roger Marsh, chairman of the LEP said: "We are thrilled to have been able to assist Yorvale in this strategic investment. Yorvale ice cream is a well-loved Yorkshire business and the LEP is pleased to have provided a grant to support employment in one of the region’s key sectors."

Mrs Buxton added: "The grant was welcomed by the business as it was necessary for the large investment we made. We would recommend the LEP to any businesses within the area who are looking to grow."