DISPENSING good hospitality to all its customers, Upton Vending Ltd today launched its open week to celebrate the formal opening of its new headquarters in Selby.

The 32-year-old company which now employs 60 people to supply all types of vending systems to companies throughout Yorkshire began life in a former chapel in Denison Road but is now operating from a purpose-built HQ in The Vivars, off Canal Road, Selby.

The building is a £500,000 investment which bears witness to a turnover of about £2.5 million which is increasing by about 15 per cent per year.

The open week was today launched by Steven Harker - chief executive of St Leonard's Hospice, York, the firm's chosen charity - watched by the firm's own suppliers, including Chequer Foods, King UK ingredients, Nestl Vending and Nichols Foods.

Mr Harker was in turn presented with a cheque for £1,000 raised by Upton Vending employees, clients and suppliers.

Alec Upton, founder managing director, started with one vending machine whose proceeds he counted on his kitchen table. Now, supplying more than 2,000 machines, the firm is the largest distributor in Yorkshire and also deals with companies nationally.