Hampshire business celebrates milestone with a century of support from NatWest
Hampshire-based business Botley Flour Milling Company Limited is celebrating a major milestone this week as it marks 100 years in successful operation.
The milling business was established in 1921 by Mr Albert Woodrow who was joined two years later by Fred Appleby whose family had been in the milling industry for over 300 years.
The mill initially produced white and stoneground flour and sold coal and then later, produced compound animal feed for commercial clients. Today, with the machinery and site still retained, the business runs two successful retail shops; its country store and TGS Outdoors, and more recently has focused its attention on restoring buildings on-site, converting office space and retail units for over 40 local businesses.
Botley Mills has been supported as a customer of NatWest Group since its inception 100 years ago. Funding from the bank has allowed the business to diversify for the future, enabling a move away from the mill-only set-up.
More recently, NatWest has supported the expansion of the operation by facilitating the build of a new car park and bridge at the Botley site, to meet modern customer and logistics demands. Through its Mentor programme, fourth-generation family member and current managing director, Joe Appleby, also has access to business experts to discuss advice for his tenants.
Joe Appleby said “We have a wonderful heritage here at Botley Mills. Taking a moment to celebrate one hundred years of existence instils even more excitement about what is to come. Over the years the funding packages from NatWest have enabled us to evolve whilst still sustaining the same high-quality service we pride ourselves with.”
Annie Cains, relationship manager at NatWest, said “It’s been a privilege to have such a valuable and long-lasting relationship with Joe, Joanna and the Appleby family. The fact the business has continued to flourish throughout generations is testament to the innovative adaptability which they have displayed.”
Annie Cains, who has worked with the business since 2017, and Chris Curtis, director business banking at NatWest Group, will join Botley Mills for its special centenary reception this week. As a token of continued growth NatWest is gifting a tree to commemorate the centenary.
