Fresh Start Prepared Foods, the Bexley-based food-service supplier is doubling the size of its factory space when it opens a new facility next month.

The business is run by Steven Chamberlain and supplies fresh-prepared produce and other lines to hotels, airlines and caterers. Annual sales for the group totalled £1.2 million last year and this year Chamberlain was recognised by consultancy Ernst & Young making it through to the semi-final of its Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

Chamberlain, has given credit for help in business start up to Bexley Council's Belvedere Business Centre. "I received help raising finance including a start-up grant and loan, finding premises and finding and training staff through its staff-training and recruitment service," said Chamberlain.

A chef by trade, Chamberlain also knows produce well having founded a prepared produce business in partnership with two fruit importers in the 1990s.

The new facility adjacent to Fresh Start's existing premises will mean an expansion in its fresh prepared fruit salad production as well as an increase in sandwich fillings and the introduction of a kosher offer.

Chamberlain is now aiming for a potential turnover of £10 million by 2009.