Life is sweet for Plymouth- based business The Conscious Candy Company which has just received a £20,000 Start Up Loan boost.
The loan, accessed via the Start Up Loan scheme, will be used by the business to expand its increasingly popular product range.
The funding will assist Laura in the creation of new sweets, as well as developing, or ‘veganising’, classic sweets, such as the Fried Egg, for inclusion in their range.
Conscious Candy was formed in 2018 by local entrepreneur, Laura Scott. Having been vegan and vegetarian for 15 years, Laura spotted a niche in the market for 100% vegan pick and mix sweets.
The online store stocks over 60 vegan varieties which can be delivered to your door, including new and exciting treats and flavours, as well as ‘old-time’ traditional sweeties. The e-commerce nature of the business means that trade is booming despite the COVID-19 outbreak.
When the shops re-open, you can also find Conscious Candy products in 5 independent outlets in locations across the country, including their home town of Plymouth.
Business owner Laura is passionate about sustainability, and environmental consciousness is a key value that feeds into the business. The pick and mix pouches are made from decomposable material and they even use soy ink for sustainable printing.
Although they currently stock some treats that are individually wrapped, they are aiming to become 100% plastic free in the future.
Mark Thayre, SWIG Finance’s Business Manager who led the deal commented “The Conscious Candy Company entered the market just at the right time – when popularity for Veganism sky-rocketed and sustainability issues began trending. During this time Laura has been able to develop a strong customer base and build robust foundations for the business. It’s great to see that Laura has utilised her background as Graphic Designer to create a visually stunning website, which is an important tool for any e-commerce business.”
Business owner Laura said “I am grateful for Marks support throughout the application process. Although the process was straightforward, Mark was very knowledgeable and always available to answer any questions that I had”.
“The money helped us to develop and create 6 tonnes of fried eggs. Without the help of SWIG Finance this would have been an impossibility. With the success of the egg we are now looking to ‘veganise’ even more classic pick & mix favourites”.
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 Laura Scott and play a part in the success of The Conscious Candy Company”.
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/