A firm sourcing, storing and supplying meat products is to create up to 100 jobs in the UK as it opens its new trading office in Liverpool.
Northern Irish firm Universal Meat Company said the move to create a sales team in the North West is a "monumental step" taken due to "pressing demands" in the industry.
The firm, founded in Portadown in 1980, said the Liverpool site will help it provide the "right network" to support supermarkets, butchers and more that form its portfolio of customers.
The first members of the sales team will be recruited from Liverpool after which, once staff have been fully trained and inducted, the template will be reproduced in other UK towns and cities.
David Simpson, managing director, said “We have been providing a service for our ever-increasing portfolio of clients within the GB Market for the past 15 years.
"However, we have now reached the stage where a greater awareness and presence is required which will enable us to streamline our service and provide the essential back up support which we believe is necessary.
"This is a huge investment for our company creating not only job opportunities but also a fleet of vehicles to cater for the needs of our ever-growing market. We will be recruiting skilled personnel throughout the British Mainland who have an interest in promoting our values and aspirations within the meat / food industry."
The company claims to be "both innovative and creative", and was voted the best food supplier in Ireland in 2018 and 2019.
The firm said it came after a "trying and difficult" 12 months for many businesses.
Senior director for the GB operation, Osmond Gurgan, said: “This is a massive investment for our company, however key to our success will be our investment in the personnel who we will recruit.
"It is essential that we have the right people in the right place to deliver the right result for our company. The values and ethos of UMC must be maintained throughout, with quality assured products at competitive prices, its all about delivery.
"Our program will begin in Liverpool and only when we are fully comfortable and satisfied with the template which we have established, will we roll out our program to neighbouring towns and cities."
