Funding helps Dolly’s scoop up further growth

A South Yorkshire dessert business is serving up further growth after investing more than £200,000 in new production facilities and securing support to increase capacity.

Barnsley-based Dolly’s Desserts, founded by mother and daughter Janine Davies and Charlie Smark, has transformed a former warehouse in Wombwell into a purpose-built production kitchen.

The business, which employs 40 people across three Barnsley sites, secured two match-funded Business Productivity Grants through Enterprising Barnsley to support the expansion.

Working with Enterprising Barnsley key account manager James Lennon, the company used its first grant to invest in equipment for the new kitchen, which has enabled production of its baked goods to move away from its retail premises at The Glass Works.

The expansion follows increasing demand from online and wholesale customers, with Dolly’s brownies, blondies and stuffed cookies now stocked across 12 UK shopping centres.

Relocating baked goods production has also freed up space at The Glass Works for the company to expand its gelato operation.

A second Business Productivity Grant has funded upgraded gelato-making equipment, speeding up production and more than doubling capacity as Dolly’s looks to grow wholesale sales.

James said: “The success that Janine and Charlie have enjoyed with Dolly’s Desserts is a testament to their sheer hard work, determination to succeed and ability to spot new opportunities and capitalise on them.

“I’ve worked closely with Janine and Charlie over the past six years, initially helping them to develop their business plans before a single gelato had been made, supporting them through the challenges posed during the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent growth and success they have achieved.

“During one of our regular meetings, they discussed their plans to create a separate production kitchen, and I realised they might be eligible to receive help through the Business Productivity Grant scheme. 

“The funds they received have not only helped the company to invest in the additional equipment needed to scale their business, but with the additional investment in a new gelato machine, it is already opening up new opportunities for them to secure new wholesale orders. 

“I’m looking forward to seeing what the next stage of their growth journey will bring.”

Janine and Charlie launched the business in 2019, naming it after their pet Cockapoo.

After the Covid-19 pandemic forced the business to temporarily close the following year, the pair turned to TikTok, initially sharing behind-the-scenes content.

Dolly’s has since built an audience of more than 1.7 million followers, helping attract customers from across the UK and supporting the development of its online operation.

The company now sells products including signature sauces, bake-at-home kits and bake boxes through its TikTok shop alongside its retail and wholesale operations.

Janine said: “It’s incredible to think just how far the business has come since we first opened our doors. 

“Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that we would grow from just the two of us into a team of 40, with the products first developed in my kitchen at home now being enjoyed not only by our growing customer base but also through the incredible social media audience we have developed. 

“It’s amazing to think of the distances our customers travel to visit us. 

“We recently welcomed a customer from Australia who had been following us online, while people routinely travel from across the UK to experience Dolly’s Desserts for themselves.”

“Enterprising Barnsley has always been there when we’ve needed them, from taking the decision to open our business in the first place to helping us develop a solid business strategy that has underpinned our growth plans. 

“The two grants we’ve received have helped us to invest in vital new equipment, which has proved to be invaluable in creating the additional capacity we needed to grow and scale, particularly in the wholesale market.

“Of course, we’ve no intention of resting on our laurels just yet.

“We’re currently refurbishing our kiosk in Market Kitchen, the food hall within Barnsley Market – where the business first began; we’re also constantly developing new ideas and exploring new flavours to add to our range.”

Enterprising Barnsley is Barnsley Council’s business support service, providing support to companies across Barnsley and South Yorkshire looking to start, grow, innovate and invest.

Councillor Luke Wheat, Barnsley Council’s cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and assets, added: “Dolly's Desserts is one of Barnsley's great entrepreneurial success stories. 

“From starting here in the borough to creating 40 jobs, and supplying customers across the UK, they are showing what can be achieved when a great business idea is matched with the right support and investment. 

“By helping thriving local companies such as Dolly’s to expand beyond their existing sites in The Glass Works and Market Kitchen, they can reach new markets, create secure employment opportunities and help us to build a stronger, more inclusive economy that benefits people and communities across Barnsley.

“We're proud that our award-winning Enterprising Barnsley team have been able to continue their support of Dolly's Desserts in this next phase of growth and innovation for the business. 

“We wish them continued success moving forward.”

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