The rapid growth of an Exeter company – from a kitchen table concern to a firm with a £30million turnover - was one of the highlights of this year’s annual ‘Evening with Entrepreneurs’ organised and hosted by the The Institute of Directors (IoD) South West.

Nick Sprague, Chairman and Founder of the Exeter-based fruit ingredients supplier, Cobell, was among the speakers at the event in Bristol (Thursday 26th March 2009) which is held each year to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the region’s entrepreneurs.  

In front of the 200 guests Nick Sprague recounted the story of how he led Cobell through its rapid expansion in just ten years. He gave advice on growing a successful business, the importance of looking after clients and suppliers and how his company is working through the recession.

Nick said; “It was a fantastic opportunity to talk to members of the IoD and local business people about how we’ve grown Cobell over the last ten years. It was also great to hear from other South West business people about their many and varied experiences.

“ It’s reassuring to know there’s such a wealth of talent and entrepreneurship here in the South West which will not only help us survive the recession but enable us to make the most of every opportunity that arises.”

Cobell was established in response to growing demand for high quality fruit ingredients and has been operating from its Exeter HQ since 1999, where the facilities have recently expanded to include sales, storage, packaging and specifically a unique aseptic bag-in-box facility.

Cobell’s sources fruit ingredients from across the world and its customers range from soft drink, patisserie, yoghurt and ice cream manufacturers to ready meals, pharmaceuticals, preserves and salad producers.

Guest speakers at the Evening with Entrepreneurs included Grant Leboff of The Intelligent Sales Club and James Finlayson of City Car Club who spoke about their careers and how they built up very successful businesses.

ENDS

Note to Editors:

• For more information or interviews please contact Annette Richman at KOR Communications on 01392 466733
• 
• For more information on Cobell please visit our website on www.cobell.co.uk

Cobell Ltd, Alphinbrook House, Alphinbrook Road, Marsh Barton, Exeter EX2 8RG Tel: 01392 430280

About Cobell
• Established in 1999 to meet the growing demand for processed fruit supply, Cobell has become the fastest growing processed fruit supplier in Europe.
• Sourcing fruit ingredients from around the globe, and supplying variables such as organic, non-gm, fair-trade and super-fruits, Cobell also packages in bespoke containers for more cost-effective options for businesses ranging from small local bakeries to large drinks suppliers.
• Cobell supplies fruit ingredients for soft and alcoholic drinks, ice cream, sorbets, ready meals, desserts, yoghurts, patisseries, baby food, soups, preserves, pies, bakeries, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
The company operates under stringent quality and ethical guidelines.