A Gloucestershire rapeseed oil producer is enjoying significant business growth after developing a healthier alternative to olive oil and securing backing from Clydesdale Bank.
Family-owned and run R-Oil is one of the UK’s biggest producers of rapeseed oil and is now distributing its products to more than 1,000 outlets across the UK from its farm in Stow-on-the-Wold.
The company was launched in 2005 by Hamish Campbell, his father Robert, and sister Emily, and its growing customer base includes delicatessens, restaurants, pubs and schools as well as supermarket giants Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
Clydesdale Bank’s Business and Private Banking Centre in Gloucester has provided invoice finance facilities to support the company’s growth, along with a six-figure sum of working capital to fund new labelling facilities.
R-Oil has worked closely with world-leading agriculture research and technology organisation Syngenta over the last five years to perfect a variety of rapeseed oil.
NK Molten has an equal balance of omega 3 and 6 and 10% more omega 9 for more stability and longevity when frying; making it one of the healthiest and versatile oils on the market.
The unique variety is used exclusively by Sainsbury’s in its ‘Taste the Difference’ range of dressings and oils.
Hamish Campbell said R-Oil started out as one of the first producers of rapeseed oil in England, and is now distributing around 43,000 litres a month from its 1,500 acres farm.
Hamish said: “We’ve worked hard to perfect our processes and are proud to be one of the most well-known brands of cold-pressed rapeseed oil in the country.
“When we diversified back in 2005 we were one of only two or three producers in the country, and started out distributing to local restaurants and pubs.
“We’ve grown considerably since then and are now distributing all over the country and our products are on supermarket shelves across the UK.
“Clydesdale Bank has provided us with invoice finance facilities to support this growth and maintain an efficient cashflow stream. It’s pleasing to be in a position of continuously strengthening our product lines with the Bank’s backing.”
Rob Spearman, Head of Clydesdale Bank’s Business and Private Banking Centre in Gloucester, said: “R-Oil is growing very quickly and is establishing a unique formula of rapeseed oil which has accelerated this growth even further.
“Invoice finance is an extremely useful facility for businesses which work with a large number of customers and offers added protection.
“We’re pleased R-Oil has been able to take full advantage of this service and to be supporting the Campbells to continue to grow its already strong footing in the market.”
