Well-known businessman who also owns two-starred Michelin restaurant invests in former sport star's start-up
08.08.2022 - 15:57
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
One of Greater Manchester's most well-known businessmen has helped invest £1.2m in a start-up founded by a former rugby league star and his wife.
Andy Bell, who co-founded Salford-headquartered investment platform AJ Bell and also owns two-starred Michelin restaurant Moor Hall, has backed Fuel Hub alongside former colleague Fergus Lyons.
Fuel Hub was founded in 2019 by husband-and-wife team, James and Michelle Laithwaite. Mr Laithwaite is a retired professional rugby league player and used to play for the likes of Warrington Wolves and Leigh Centurions. Mrs Laithwaite is a former global wholesale fashion manager.
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The company prepares, cooks and delivers chef-prepared, nutrition-focused meals to sports organisations and elite athletes across the UK. Its clients include the EFL Championship, Team GB, England Rugby, Fulham FC, Blackpool FC, Derby County, Warrington Wolves and Catalan Dragons.
Fuel Hub plans to use the investment to focus on its business on B2B sports nutrition which will be supported by its direct to consumer business.
Mr and Mrs Laithwaite will retain a 50% ownership of and will remain as COO and CEO respectively..
The funds will be used to scale operations, starting with a move into a new 10,000 square ft facility, which will increase capacity to over 20,000 meals per week.
Fuel Hub also plans to double its staff headcount to 30 over the next 12 months and generate a similar increase in partnerships with sports organisations.
Mrs Laithwaite said: "This investment is a turning point for our business as it provides us with the means to scale our operational capabilities and the capacity to partner with even more sports