Santander

"It was a really inspiring event, and I was struck by the knowledge of the Inspire Wales investors and their willingness to back entrepreneurs in Wales with both investment and expertise. I approached Caroline Thompson, BeTheSpark CEO, and asked for an introduction. She “encouraged” me to introduce myself which I did, and that started a world-wind funding journey for Jenny Kate. I pitched to the Inspire Wales Investment Committee the week after and they agreed to fund me. Four of their group (Hayley Parsons, Ashley Cooper, Richard Calvert and Roger Gambarini) all agreed to personally fund in addition. I am so thrilled to be supported by the Inspire Wales Consortium, by the Angels Invest Wales and the Wales Angel Co-investment Fund, and by some of the most experienced Angel Investors in Wales alongside increasing corporate banking support from Santander. I am so privileged to have recruited a fantastic initial team working in the business, and to have such an amazing wider stakeholder group. We have huge plans and see a real gap in the market for our fresh nature-inspired British brand."

"We are delighted to join The Hut Group’s core banking facility at this exciting time in the company’s development. This transaction is in line with the banks strategy of facilitating UK corporates with their trade flows to China and underlines our confidence in the THG management team."

"We are thrilled to be supporting Griff and Ed on the next stage of their journey with Friska. They have built a fantastic brand with a high quality breakfast and lunch food offering which customers love. We see significant opportunity for the business to expand into new cities to bring the Friska brand to a new audience"