EHL UK, a construction and facilities management company based in Newton Aycliffe, is set to acquire a new site in Catterick Garrison, with support from Lloyds Bank.
The firm, which has been operating since 1993, has been focusing on significant expansion and diversification since 2015, incorporating multiple different facets into its enterprise.
As well as offering construction and facilities management, EHL UK has diversified its portfolio and added a number of retail strands to its business that includes a franchised coffee drive thru-brand, called Siesta Coffee, in four locations: Newton Aycliffe, Peterlee, Skelmersdale and Thornaby. It also has a gymnasium based in Newton Aycliffe, Be Inspired Gym, which was established in 2015 and beauty salons in two of its locations, Newton Aycliffe & Peterlee, The Clinic & House of Serenity.
Wanting to expand its portfolio further, EHL UK approached Lloyds Bank last year, intending to increase the pace of their expansion. Brothers Ryan and Daniel and their father Gary went on to secure an £830,000 term loan facility from Lloyds Bank, which will enable the purchase of a new site in Catterick Garrison which will house its third drive-thru coffee branch and create 10 new jobs. The development of the site will be financed by EHL UK.
The new site will also house a new EHL UK office, a facility for plant and machinery, as well as a drive-thru coffee shop, a second autonomous drive-thru system and a beauty salon/spa.
This is just the start of expansion plans for the business. Ryan and the team have also designed a robotic arm for its Siesta Coffee brand which has the ability to make barista coffee for customers through a fresh milk system, the ability to earn digital points to redeem in store, and the ability to make hot chocolate, tea and serve fresh food. This is the first autonomous project for a coffee shop in the UK and means customers can access fresh, barista coffee 24/7. The business is also planning to install rapid EV charging points across its coffee shops to support electric vehicle drivers visiting its locations and plans to install its autonomous systems at national EV hub sites.
Last week, local MP, Paul Howell, visited the Newton Aycliffe site to understand more about the robotic arm innovation and the recent funding EHL UK has received. Mr Howell is keen to show his support for small businesses locally that contribute to the success of the North East business community.
Ryan and his team are always at the front of innovation for their businesses, having launched a new sea moss coffee earlier this year, which is available to buy on Amazon, www.siesta2go.com and to purchase in store at Siesta Coffee sites. There are further plans to roll out their products in national and international supermarkets, service stations, convenience stores, hotels, and leisure parks.
Ryan Stainsby, director at EHL UK, said: “At EHL UK, we endeavour to constantly expand our business into new avenues. We are delighted to have Lloyds Bank’s support in advancing our business ventures, and for giving us the opportunity to grow at a faster rate than ever before.
“We are excited for the expansion of our new site at Catterick Garrison and are looking forward to the new developments it will bring with it.”
Sonya Atkins, area director for North East & Humber at Lloyds Bank, said: “We are proud to be supporting EHL UK in their endeavours to expand into new sites, such as Catterick Garrison, and are excited by their continual effort to increase the range of services for customers.
“We recognise how important it is to support firms like EHL UK during these times, with the company being a leading example of how small businesses can grow their offering and capitalise on new opportunities despite economic headwinds. We look forward to being by Ryan’s and the business’ side in helping them to reach their goals.”