Expansion plans announced
One of Inverness’s best‑loved independent food businesses, The Three Little Bakers Ltd, has announced plans to open its fourth outlet, marking 13 years of sustained growth.
Founded in 2013 when Paddy and Jane Murphy took over a small bakery in Cradlehall, TTLB has grown into an award‑winning craft bakery serving retail, takeaway and wholesale markets. Highland Opportunity (Investments) Ltd (HOIL), the Highland Council’s business loan company, supported the original takeover with loan assistance, helping lay the foundations for future success.
Further expansion followed in 2018 with new premises at Harbour Road in the Longman Industrial Estate, supported by additional HOIL funding, enabling increased wholesale production and retail capacity. A third outlet opened on Tomatin Road in Hilton, in July 2021, creating local employment and extending the company’s reach.
Today, The Three Little Bakers employs around 40 people and is recognised nationally, having been named Scottish Baker of the Year 2022/23. The business is also known for its people‑focused ethos, supporting over 20 employees through the National Food & Drink Training Apprenticeship Programme.
Most recently, the business has secured a building warrant from The Highland Council to open a fourth outlet at Leys Square in Milton of Leys, bringing its award‑winning products to a growing community and further strengthening The Three Little Bakers’ presence within Inverness.
HOIL has welcomed the announcement as a great example of sustainable local business growth and wish Paddy and Jane every success as they continue to combine traditional craft baking skills with modern business ambition, right at the heart of Inverness.
Councillor Jackie Hendry, HOIL Chair said: "We welcomed the opportunity to help Paddy and Jane at The Three Little Bakers Limited, at their initial start of their business, with a HOIL loan. Since then, The Three Little Bakers have gone from strength to strength and are about to open their fourth outlet. Their rapid expansion has delivered quality service and employment opportunities throughout the Inverness area. Their attention to detail and what the customers want has resulted in awards and national recognition.
“At HOIL we recognise Paddy and Jane’s people-focused drive to help employees further their careers by putting through at least twenty into the National Food and Drink Apprenticeship programme. We are delighted when we see companies grow and contribute in this way. The Opportunity Fund from HOIL provides accessible and affordable finance for start ups and growing businesses across the Highlands and is one of several funds we can use to help projects across the area.”
Paddy and Jane Murphy said: “We are incredibly grateful to Highland Opportunity for the funding support they have given us over the past 13 years. Their support for small businesses across the north of Scotland is so important, and it is something we believe should be recognised and appreciated. Their belief in Jane and I, and in what we were trying to build, has meant so much to us. That encouragement has played a huge part in helping our bakery grow into the business we are so proud of today.
“We are now getting ready to open our fourth shop in Inverness, serving the Milton of Leys community. This is a very exciting step for us, and our whole team is committed to creating a shop that will be a real success and a welcoming part of the local area.”
You can find out more about the support HOIL can provide on the HOIL website or Email