For Rectory Foods, 2009 was its most successful year to date: it increased its staff base by 40 per cent, saw an uplift in new customers and turnover reached an all-time high of £26 million. This has led Rectory Foods to become one of the leading operations of its type in the European Union.

All this, despite rumours that more job losses are expected in the poultry industry in 2010. A report by industry analysts, Plimsoll, predicts 'more job losses and consolidations' with up to 9,000 jobs expected to go if poultry companies are to remain profitable and competitive. It claims that 'over £330 million worth of profit has been wiped from the market in the last year', meaning many employers have no choice but to make cut-backs.

But this is not the case for chicken champion, Rectory Foods.

In response to the increase in industry demand it has created two new divisions: Frozen Vegetables and Ingredients, and a dedicated Technical Department, responsible for auditing its suppliers and customers to ensure they reach Rectory Foods' high standards of quality control.

Charles Woolley, Founder and Director of Rectory Foods says: "This is an exciting time for us, as we are becoming more of a force in the poultry industry. Poultry's healthy image and versatility have helped to boost our volume sales and as our product portfolio expands we are finding we can apply our knowledge, expertise and experience to other food sectors too.

"The poultry industry is a very competitive and buoyant one, and for us to be doing so well, while the sector struggles, demonstrates that we are doing something right.

"Our sales are up 18 per cent compared with last year and in 2010, we are investing in new equipment, creating new departments, which means taking on more staff, developing new products, and aim to become the industry's first choice poultry and vegetable supplier. We also aim to increase our presence in retail by developing more premium and added-value products."

Established in 1996, the company is headquartered in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, with operations throughout the UK, Europe and Asia. It handles the international sourcing, storage and supply as well as wholesale, retail and manufacturing sectors.