Leicester printing business seals equipment deal

25 January 2016

Leicester-based Clifton Packaging Group Limited has purchased three new pieces of cutting-edge machinery which will create many jobs over the next year, with the support of a significant funding package from Yorkshire Bank.

The family business had a turnover of £13.5m in 2014 and has seen continued growth year on year. This has enabled it to install a new laminating machine, slitter and Uteco Flexographic print press with the bank’s support. The increased capacity will allow the business to further grow turnover, leading to further job creation. The funding was arranged by Robin Kirkwood, relationship manager at Yorkshire Bank.

Clifton Packaging specialises in manufacturing flexible packaging, packaging machinery and food contract packing. The business supplies to major fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies and many well-known household brands.

The firm was first established in 1981 by the late Khalid Sheikh and his brother Zed Sheikh. Their younger brothers, Shahid and Tahir, subsequently joined the business in 1983. All three are directors with Shahid responsible for UK operations and Zed for Africa and the Middle East. Zed is currently working towards international expansion and future collaborations.

Clifton Packaging employs 75 people operating from its 60,000 sq. ft. premises. The business is two years into a heavy five-year investment and expansion programme and the brothers expect to double the number of staff over the next few years.

Shahid, believes the reason behind the business’ continued growth is down to innovation and continuous investment.

Shahid said: “As a private business with a flat management structure, we’re very quick to make decisions. We invest in the latest technologies and are always looking at developing new innovations. To be an ambassador for the industry you have to lead from the front.

“In the last two years we have increased our turnover substantially but it has been achieved via controlled growth due to the investments being made. With continued investments in the pipeline we intend to grow our business by 20 percent year on year.

“Bank backing is often critical to the success of a company and we are grateful to have had Yorkshire Bank’s continued support and faith in Clifton for more than ten years.”

Carl Dickinson, Head of Yorkshire Bank’s Business and Private Banking Centre in Leicester, said: “The directors of Clifton Packaging continue to invest in cutting edge machinery allowing the business to manufacture to the highest standard whilst maximising efficiencies. The firm now operates three print presses and Yorkshire Bank has been proud to support the purchase of all three.

“As economic conditions continue to improve, Yorkshire Bank remains focused on supporting the growth ambitions of businesses in the Midlands.”