Retailers in northern England and Scotland could be the owner of a Budgens, as the symbol group announces plans to expand further up the country. 

The full Budgens range is now available in a Booker Retail Partners depot in South Yorkshire, which has allowed it to attract retailers in new areas. In the past year, Budgens has opened 80 new stores in 12 new areas, such as York, Manchester and Newcastle.

Mike Baker, Budgens brand director at Booker, said there were “pockets of the country” that they were unable to reach before the move that were right for the brand.

“Value is more important in some areas than others. We can deliver that but still be true to what Budgens is – a focus on fresh and meal for tonight,” he said. 

Phil Whittaker, owner of Whittaker’s Budgens in Gilberdyke, Yorkshire, switched to Budgens in January after being with Costcutter for 32 years. 

“I had seen other Budgens stores but did not think I’d be able to have it. My main issue before was that I had nothing to offer my shoppers for an evening meal. Now I don’t have that problem and ready meal sales are up by 300%,” he said.

Read more: Sid and Sukhi Sidhu take a scientific approach to their Budgens store