Unique Seafood, which supplies 2,500 fish and chip shops across Britain, has secured a £2.8million finanace package from Barclays.

The firm, which is based at Thamesmead in London and has regional depots at Mildenhall in Suffolk and Cricklade, near Swindon, Wiltshire, already has annual turnover of £25million and employs 62 employees.

It supplies sustainable fish direct from its own vessels, with its customers also including the wholesale, industrial and food service sectors and well as individual “chippies”.

The Barclays finance package, which includes a structured trade loan, will allow the business to increase the level of seafood it purchases and so grow its sales further.

Unique is also planning to purchase an additional depot to expand its operation in Thamesmead, in order to supply more exotic fish types to its customers. As part of the deal, it has also moved its day-to-day banking to Barclays.

Harald Nissen, managing director at Unique, said: “The Barclays finance package will enable Unique Seafood to increase capacity, have more storage space and increase customer services. We look forward to working with Barclays as we embark on the next stage of our journey.”

Sarah Collins, relationship director with Barclays’ retail and wholesale team, added: “Unique Seafood has carved a niche for itself in this competitive market and is enjoying strong growth. We are fully committed to supporting the business as it looks to diversify and expand into new markets.”