Barnes Logistics is planning to invest in staff and drive sales, after moving to new premises in Rochdale thanks to a seven figure funding package from Yorkshire Bank.

The logistics and storage firm, which operates a fleet of more than 50 vehicles, has moved from its leased site in Oldham after purchasing a 50,000sq ft premises in Rochdale.

The business, which was established in 2004 by owner and managing director Chris Barnes, employs 80 staff and all of the management team hold Transport Manager Certificates of Professional Competence (CPC).

Barnes said: “The Rochdale site is a far superior building in a much better location, allowing us to streamline our operations. Purchasing the premises has given us greater flexibility and the funding provided by Yorkshire Bank means we have been able to continue focusing on growth during the move.

“Over the next year we plan to keep increasing sales by continuing to provide an extremely high standard of service and investing further in our workforce.”

Paul Grace, Yorkshire Bank’s Head of Commercial, Small Business & Private Banking for Manchester and Bolton, said: “Over the last 12 years, Barnes

Picture caption (left to right): Chris Barnes (owner and managing director of Barnes Logistics), Helen Miller (relationship manager at Yorkshire Bank) and Paul Grace (Yorkshire Bank’s head of commercial,small business and private banking for Manchester and Bolton­)