Leicester chosen as central hub for nationwide Thai restaurant chain's UK distribution network

A national chain of Thai restaurants has selected Leicester as the location for its main distribution network throughout the UK.

Giggling Squid has taken occupation of a warehouse unit at Elland Road for use as a menu development facility and new product development kitchen, as well as a training and national distribution centre.

The building comprises almost 45,000 sq ft of warehouse accommodation on the Braunstone Frith Industrial Estate, three miles west of the city centre. 

Refurbishment of the new building is currently underway, with the completed hub set to be up and running by the end of March. The group also aims to recruit 20 additional employees from the Leicester community.

Vikas Agarwal, chief commercial officer, said: "The Elland Road unit is part of an exciting phase in the growth of our business. 

"From menu development, to training our teams, as well as distributing our fantastic Thai ingredients to our restaurants, it is ideally located to become the hub for our operations."

Commercial property specialist Andrew + Ashwell secured the deal for the lease of the unit. 

Mike Allwood, A+A partner, added: "Leicester is an ideal location for an expanding organisation, as it is strategically sited for easy nationwide distribution and conveniently located as a central link for the company's restaurants across the UK. 

"Giggling Squid has chosen well and we wish the group every success in this important venture that should boost their business even further."

The first Giggling Squid restaurant opened in 2002 and the brand now has almost 50 restaurants nationwide, including Leicester, employing more than 1,500 directly contracted people.