Anglia Crown bought from Bakkavor Group

“Anglia Crown is an exceptional company with potential for fast and sustainable growth,”​ said Howell. “This is true in both current and new markets. Our new-found independence will enable us to be more market-responsive.​

“We have an exciting pipeline of new product development for the future and will shortly be laying out a brand new environmental platform to help reduce waste and energy while still delivering a quality outsourced meal solution.”​

Lone said: “I have been at Anglia Crown overseeing finance and operations for 11 years. We have enjoyed being part of Bakkavor, but we are delighted at this opportunity to own and run the business independently.​

‘Right timing’​

“The timing was right, our client portfolio has fully backed us, and we are supported by our strong senior management team.”​

Founded in 1992, Anglia Crown has an annual turnover of £15m and makes chilled and frozen prepared meals for the healthcare and complementary markets, supplying multi- and single-portion dishes to customers and patients.

It has operated in the UK market for more than 25 years, and currently works with around 100 hospital sites nationwide.

Based in Colchester, the 4,600m2 facility employs more than 160 people, and makes 40,000 chilled and frozen meals every week day.

New ranges​

It has recently added new ranges to its core offering, including an innovative finger food range for patients who struggle to eat with cutlery, and a paediatric range for children.

With a strong brand profile in healthcare, particularly in hospital catering, the business is being positioned by the new owners to enter further markets, including hospitality, travel, leisure and private healthcare.

The company said its individual frozen meals would be offered as a cost-effective way to provide high-quality dining, on the move, out of hours and for catering operations, where there were limited facilities.

Howell has assumed responsibility for client retention, sales and growth and Lone would continue to hold responsibility for finance and operations, the company said.

The senior management team at Anglia Crown remain the same.