A NORTH-EAST business supplying fine tableware and kitchen equipment to five-star hotels, says it hopes to create new jobs to continue its rapid growth.

Goodfellow and Goodfellow, based in Peterlee, County Durham, works with London's Ritz and Dorchester hotels and a number of Michelin star chefs, and has a luxury showroom in the heart of Westminster.

The firm, which employs 15 people, is run by husband and wife team Paul and Valda Goodfellow, who launched the business after building and selling several food and hospitality businesses.

Mrs Goodfellow, the former chairwoman of the Tees Valley Manufacturing Challenge and director of Business Link Tees Valley, was previously managing director of gourmet sausage maker Mr Lazenby's, while Mr Goodfellow founded Continental Chef Supplies before selling it to an international distribution group.

She said: “Chefs, hoteliers and restaurateurs need something to stand out from the crowd and we spotted an opportunity at the higher end of the market.

“People in the industry have worked with us for years and know that we have the same passion as they do.

“When a five-star hotel asked for silver-plated square cake stands, we were able to use our global contacts to have them specially made, and we also design and commission products where there is demand without an equivalent product.

“We have been stunned that major groups are coming to us, but they obviously like what we do.”