THE Modern Milkman, one of Burnley’s most innovative firms, has this week announced a new £5 million investment package.

The company received the money from the Environmental Technologies Fund, which works to help build more convenient and sustainable grocery shopping methods.

The Modern Milkman, based on Nicholas Street in Burnley, was selected by the fund thanks to its sourcing of groceries from independent and local suppliers as well as its use of sustainable and reusable packaging.

Modern Milkman founder and CEO Simon Mellin said: “The ETF was the obvious choice of investor for us and we’re thrilled to have their support as we move into the next phase of our journey.

“We believe their insight, skill and experience in the sustainability space will help us deliver the positive impact we strive to have on the environment at pace, as we move forward with our expansion plans across the UK over the course of 2021.”

The company hopes to use the financing to expand its operations beyond the North of England and help its customers to move away from the use of plastics and towards more sustainable lifestyles.

This comes as demand for grocery deliveries has soared due to the coronavirus pandemic, with more and more customers shopping online.

ETF Partners investment manager Tomer Strikovky said: “We have full confidence that TMM will play an important role in changing how we consume food, and we continue to be impressed by the founders.”