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Over the last 27 years, Westaway Sausages has transformed from a startup company to one that leads in innovation and performance in the competitive meat products sector, with support from Lloyds.
Read time: 5 mins Added: 22/09/25
Charles Baughan’s family have been making sausages for over 100 years. The family’s first shop was established in 1898; in 1998, Charles first met Newton Abbot based Westaway Sausages and in 2008 he and his wife took over the company.
It has been an impressive growth journey. In June 2025, Westaway were a finalist in the Food Management Today Industry Awards in the category ‘UK Food Manufacturer of the Year 2025’. As a leading producer of sausages and related meat products, the business’ ability to adapt its offer over time has been a crucial growth driver. As has the availability of flexible financial backing.
“We credit Lloyds’ support with allowing us to punch above our weight,” says Ilona Baughan, who stewards the finance operation. “It has enabled us to seize new contracts and act quickly, even when faced with short payment terms from suppliers.”
With the business increasing its revenue by consistent double-digit growth over recent years Westaway Sausages needed a more flexible financing facility than its historic overdraft facility was able to provide. The decision was made to migrate from an overdraft to Invoice Finance, a solution that lets businesses borrow against their accounts receivable to generate cash quickly.
Ilona Baughan Finance Director, Westaway SausagesThe flexibility of the Invoice Finance solution meant we could grow the business without the need to apply for additional borrowing. As the business has continued to grow, we made a conscious decision to continue with Invoice Finance as it gave us confidence to bid for further high-volume business knowing that the funding would track the volumes upwards allowing us to focus on customer payments and maintain a smooth cash flow.
The business’ consistent growth, supported by Invoice Finance, has helped it handle the growing sales volumes without feeling overwhelmed.
Charles agrees that the availability of financing through Lloyds has enabled them to “pursue significant opportunities with purchasers” while also helping to bridge the gap between payment terms with suppliers and customers, particularly in situations where larger customers can demand longer payment terms.
Geoff Hunt, Client Manager at Lloyds, expresses admiration for the passion and commitment demonstrated by the Baughans over time.
Geoff Hunt Client Manager, LloydsCharles and Ilona have shown the importance of maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, which includes making timely payments. I look forward to helping them both achieve their ambition in the years to come.
Meanwhile, driving value and further efficiency into Westaway Sausages' operations is high on the agenda. Charles mentions their recent investment in artificial intelligence via augmented machines has doubled the productivity in sales per employee driven further efficiency in their productivity.
Despite not having a dedicated sales team, there is an increasing awareness of and demand for their pioneering approach on sustainability. This is resulting in a very healthy sales pipeline in all sectors and the company is looking forward to developing new partnerships and continuing to work with Lloyds on their journey.
Invoice Finance facilities may be provided by one or more of Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance Limited, Lloyds Bank plc and Bank of Scotland plc. Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance Limited. Registered in England & Wales no. 733011. Registered office: No.1, Brookhill Way, Banbury OX16 3EL. Bank of Scotland plc. Registered in Scotland No.SC327000. Registered Office: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ. Bank of Scotland plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under registration no. 169628.