Gloucestershire-based eco-friendly product supplier, Forest Friendly, has received funding via The Start Up Loans Company.
The loan, which was accessed via South West delivery partner SWIG Finance, was used to secure a business premises, purchase stock and invest in marketing to help boost visibility.
Forest Friendly, created and led by entrepreneur Kirsty Bishop, helps their customers reduce plastic usage by offering reusable and eco-friendly alternative products.
Forest Friendly’s online shop offers a large range of sustainable products including home care, body care, toys, clothing and food and drink.
You can find Forest Friendly’s physical store in Lydney, a historic market town situated on the southern edge of the Forest of Dean.
Sustainability plays a significant role in Forest Friendly’s business model; “One of the most important things to me is that most of my suppliers are small independent people supporting their families. I know exactly where every penny is going. I’ve also supported many new makers to launch their businesses by ordering their stock from the start.” Kirsty said.
Kirsty’s ambition to create a more sustainable society filters through to every aspect of her life.
She continued “We try to be as environmentally conscious as we can at home. We use cloth nappies and wipes, cloth kitchen roll, handkerchiefs, a coconut scourer, reusable water bottles, hot drink travel mugs and reusable tubs to name a few.”
Of the funding, Kirsty commented “The loan has allowed me to expand my range of stock and secure a permanent high street shop. I would recommend using SWIG Finance to access start-up funding, my dedicated business manager, Sarah, made the process easy to navigate and she provided support throughout the application process”.
SWIG’s Business Manager, Sarah Osborn said: “Kirsty has created a unique business which focusses on sustainability. Climate change is a key issue in today’s world and Forest Friendly has launched at a time when more and more people are turning to environment friendly and re-usable products to do their part for the planet”.
Richard Bearman, Managing Director at Start Up Loans, said: “Start Up Loans exists to help aspiring businesses owners and early-stage businesses to get access to the finance and support they need to thrive and so I’m delighted that Start Up Loans has been able to support Kirsty and play a part in the success of Forest Friendly.”
About SWIG Finance
SWIG Finance is the South West’s leading delivery partner for Start Up Loans UK.
If you want to turn your idea into a business venture, get in touch with our friendly and professional team to find out how we can help you info@swigfinance.co.uk
Alternatively, for more information, or to apply visit https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/start-up-loans/