Independent cider retailer, Bristol Cider Shop, is the latest business to benefit from the British Business Bank’s Recovery Loan Scheme through delivery partner SWIG Finance.
The loan of £31,600 has been provided to help the business relocate to a larger warehouse premises and take advantage of growing market opportunities
Bristol Cider Shop’s mission is to introduce their customers to the “world of proper cider”. With 100 different varieties, even the pickiest cider-drinker will find something to quench their thirst.
The business proudly supports award-winning UK cider-makers, and each supplier is carefully selected to ensure that only the best quality beverages make it on to their product range.
Furthermore, the business offers its customers the chance to be part of their tasting panel, giving them the opportunity to help shape the future of the cider market.
The business is run by local businessmen Pete Snowman and Martin Rowe. It started in 2010 as Bristol’s first ever cider shop; and has since grown into an online only business, and with sales rapidly increasing it is now moving into a warehouse and office unit more suited to future needs.
With a focus on championing Westcountry cider producers, Bristol Cider Shop aims to be a national leader in craft cider and has plans to create new jobs in sales and administration, and within their warehouse.
Bristol Cider Shop itself has twice been awarded UK Cider Retailer of the Year and has an abundance of offerings for their loyal customers, including subscription boxes, tasting kits and gifts, which include Cider Advent Calendars, drinking glasses and gift vouchers.
Co-owner Martin Rowe said “Working with SWIG Finance was easy and straightforward. Our business manager, Nicola, asked all the right questions at the very beginning of our application. Because she took the time to understand our business and where we wanted it to go, Nicola was able to move the process along quickly and we were impressed by her enthusiasm.”
Bristol-based Nicola Mapp of SWIG Finance said “Bristol Cider Shop are keen to educate customers on the craft cider market and work hard to make craft cider more accessible to a wider audience. I enjoyed working with Martin and Peter on this application because of their clear passion for the business and the market and this is what will drive their continued success”.
You can buy their cider online here www.bristolcidershop.co.uk
About SWIG Finance
SWIG Finance is the South West’s leading Community Development Financial Institution. We are passionate about bringing social and economic benefits to people and places in the South West. We do this by providing support and finance to Start Ups and growing SMEs that can create and secure employment opportunities.
As the South West’s leading delivery partner for Start Up Loans UK, we can provide Start Up Loans from £500 – £25,000. For more information visit https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/start-up-loans/
We also have business loans from £25,001 to £250,000 available to South West SMEs who cannot access sufficient funding from their bank https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/business-loans/
If you would like an informal discussion about your funding requirements, please get in touch with our friendly and professional team: info@swigfinance.co.uk / 01872 227 930.
Legal Notice: The Recovery Loan Scheme is managed by the British Business Bank on behalf of, and with the financial backing of, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. British Business Bank plc is a development bank wholly owned by HM Government. It is not authorised or regulated by the PRA or the FCA. Visit https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-hub/recovery-loan-scheme/
