A SCOTTISH pet food company has generated £3.5 million from venture capitalists and existing private investors.

Bella and Duke said its ambitious plans to extend its reach in the UK pet food market have escaped the fall-out from the Covid-19 virus.

The Perth distribution centre currently supplies 11 million fresh meals a year to customers after being founded four years ago in Blairgowrie by Big County entrepreneurs Mark Scott and Tony Ottley.

Measures designed to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus crisis have given priority status to the wellbeing of staff, while safeguarding the production and distribution network.

READ MORE: Perthshire pet food firm Bella and Duke targets 50% turnover increase

Mr Scott said: “We are turning out around 11 million meals a year from the Perth distribution centre which only opened last year.

“We now have 45,000 dogs on our database and demand has been spiralling.

“The measures we have taken over the last few weeks were designed to ensure we can continue to meet that demand.

“Looking ahead, we are committed to our mission of getting raw pet food into the mainstream.

“This latest round of investment from venture capitalists Mobeus, with additional support and a show of faith from several of our initial private backers, will allow us to expand our horizons.

“Mobeus target their support at small to medium enterprises with strong potential for growth.

“We have our sights set on moving into the cat food market and driving Bella and Duke sales across the country.”

The business now employs nearly 40 members of staff at a customer serviced base in Blairgowrie and a 10,000 square foot distribution centre on Perth’s North Muirton industrial estate.

Mr Scott said: “We are set to deliver 105% year-on-year growth and the latest round of investment will allow us to press ahead with our plans for phased growth, expand our freezer capacity and extend our range of raw food meals.”