Fragrance supplier enjoys the sweet smell of success with Yorkshire Bank

6th September 2013

A Cheshire aroma chemical firm that supplies flavour and fragrance raw materials to domestic and international consumer brands is expanding its customer base and increasing turnover with support from Yorkshire Bank.

Zanos, based in Knutsford, sources and distributes speciality chemicals, flavours and fragrances. Its products are used in a range of household staples, from air fresheners to fabric softeners via shower gels and shampoos. The company is also the sole UK and Ireland agent and distributor for a leading French range of essential oils and other natural ingredients.

The business recently secured funding with Yorkshire Bank that will enable it to develop new customers and increase turnover.

As part of the deal, facilitated by Lee Blainey, relationship manager at Yorkshire Bank’s Regional Business and Private Banking Centre in Manchester, Zanos has also been provided with new online business banking and international facilities that is helping it to trade more efficiently overseas.

Since the business switched to Yorkshire Bank six months ago, annual turnover is already up 13% compared with last year.

Established in 2000, Zanos trades with about 20 different countries worldwide, including China, India, Australia, and the US. In addition to its main office base at Knutsford, the firm maintains storage facilities in Liverpool, Rotterdam and Hamburg to ensure it offers a fast and reliable service. The business also provides consultancy services, ranging from start-up advice to full project management.

While the company’s main focus is on flavours and fragrances, it also trades in a variety of speciality chemicals for a range of other applications. In 2008, Zanos was awarded Responsible Care accreditation, which commits the business to maintaining high standards of safety and environmental performance.

Julian Sarkar, managing director of Zanos, said: “Since switching to Yorkshire Bank, we have been impressed by the team’s commitment to helping and understanding our business, and its proactive approach to delivering growth.

“Other benefits include Yorkshire’s Bank’s user-friendly online business banking and international facilities, which are already having a positive impact on Zanos by speeding up payment processes and helping us to unlock new markets.”

Sean Williams, head of Yorkshire Bank’s Regional Business and Private Banking Centre in Manchester, said: “From its base in Knutsford, Zanos has cultivated a strong international customer base and secured some of the best possible suppliers around the world.

“We look forward to helping the business to build on its success and achieve its growth aspirations.”