Family run pork pie firm set for growth following investment

A family run business famed for its award-winning pork pies is set for growth following a five-figure funding boost from UKSE’s West Midlands team.

T.C. Morris secured funding from UKSE to help facilitate their move from Walsall Street in Willenhall to new larger premises in Dudley following a period of growth.

Chief executive and fourth generation family member, Charlotte Tennant has ambitious growth plans for the business and the investment has allowed T.C. Morris to recruit an additional five members of staff with plans to offer apprenticeship opportunities in the future.

Established in 1939, T.C. Morris, now based on Blackbrook Industrial Estate in Dudley manufacture quality pork pies, sausage rolls and scotch eggs for food service and catering sectors.

Charlotte Tennant commented: “I joined the business in 2010 after studying Law and HR management at university. I always wanted to follow in my grandfather and father’s footsteps and made it my mission to continue to grow the business.

“With the support of managing director, Allan Jones, together we have worked hard to increase our customer base, expand our product range and we are now exploring export opportunities.

“To meet demand, we relocated to bigger premises in Dudley. We are proud that all our existing employees stayed with us as part of the move; some of whom have been with us for more than 40 years.

“The funding from UKSE has provided us with the working capital to continue to operate during the move. Mike and Steve have been a great support to us and genuinely want us to succeed.”

UKSE regional executive Mike Lowe added: “At UKSE our aim is to support businesses to grow, innovate and create job opportunities. Charlotte and the team at T.C. Morris are a great Black Country success story and we were delighted to be able to support their growth plans.”

Rather than obtain funding from mainstream lenders, T.C. Morris was introduced to UKSE by Birmingham based Central Business Finance.

Providing strategic loan and equity packages of up to £1m to generate growth, UKSE’s West Midlands team create local job opportunities and bolster the economy by supporting SMEs across Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry, Staffordshire and Shropshire.

UKSE supports the local economy by making equity investments, ensuring management stays in control of the business and offers a flexible exit policy. Unsecured loans are also available, often without the need for personal guarantees.

To date, UKSE has invested over £115m, supporting 8,000 businesses, stimulating the creation of an estimated 83,000 new jobs.