THE MP for Vale of Clwyd, Dr James Davies, visited a Rhyl-based bakery last week to congratulate them in person on their recent expansion.

Filipino bread, cake and pastries specialist Boca Bakery is going from strength to strength following a £350,000 investment supported by Barclays, which enabled them to expand into new 6,700 sq ft premises at Marsh Road, Rhyl, in the latter half of last year.

Established in 2012 by former NHS nurse Marigin Opiala, the business now employs 15 staff (seven part-time and eight full-time) and distributes throughout the UK and overseas.

Following the expansion of the business last year, Dr Davies wrote to Marigin to congratulate her and wish her continued success, and was pleased to be able to visit her to pass on his good wishes in person.

Following the visit, he said: “It was great to meet Marigin and the team and to hear about the business and how the £350,000 investment supported by Barclays has helped them progress Boca Bakery.

“Considering the business was only established in 2012, what they have achieved is remarkable and testament to their commitment and hard work.

“They are the leading Filipino Bakery in the UK and also distribute overseas and I am proud to have such a successful business based in my constituency.

“I wish Marigin and the team continued success and thank them for the cakes which I highly recommend.”

Alison Monks-Roberts, Barclays business manager, said: “It was a pleasure to join James on visit to Boca Bakery in Rhyl and to see first-hand how the £350,000 investment Barclays supported them with has enabled them to substantially expand.

“As champions of local business, it is essential that we support local growing businesses such as Boca Bakery through our Barclays Business Health Pledge.

"Marigin is a great example of an entrepreneur using their experience, passion and skills to develop a successful business.”