Bristol-based business, The Real Olive Company, has received a £150k loan through SWIG Finance backed by the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans Scheme (CBILS).
The investment is being used to mitigate against some of the recent market disruption and put the business on a firm footing to take advantage of new growth opportunities.
Directors Karin Andersson and Ben Flight
Led by directors Ben Flight and Karin Andersson, The Real Olive Company is a real success story Having started out with a stall at St Nicholas market in 1998, the company’s products are now stocked nationally through some of the biggest names in food retail, such as Waitrose and Sainsburys.
Having established the business on the principles of “making life taste better by connecting people to the natural vitality of real food”, The Real Olive Company’s mission is to create sustainable, organic food that is bursting with Mediterranean sunshine.
The business takes pride in its supply chain and works closely with artisan growers and farmers in the Mediterranean. Their mantra “from grove to table” reinforces their authentic approach in retaining each olive’s natural nutrients through traditional preparation methods.
During the last few months, The Real Olive Company has made big changes to their business model in response to COVID-19. To help minimise disruption, they have created their own e-commerce platform where they can distribute their products directly to their customers.
Of the loan, Ed Gardiner, Chief Operating Officer at The Real Olive Company commented “We have exciting plans for the next few years, the CBILS funding means that we can now work towards the future and worry less about immediate challenges. Our business manager, Nicola, is very knowledgeable and was able to provide excellent support and guidance throughout our application”.
Nicola Mapp, business manager for SWIG Finance said “The Real Olive Company is an exciting business to watch. Their plans going forward will go a long way in getting the business back on track following this disruptive period. We are delighted to be able to support them on their journey”.
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 startup loans from £500 – £25,000. For more information visit https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/start-up-loans/
We also have loans from £10,000 to £250,000 available to South West SMEs who cannot access sufficient funding from their bank https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/funds-available/
For an informal discussion about your funding requirements, get in touch with our friendly and professional team to find out how we can help: info@swigfinance.co.uk / 01872 227 932.