A small business from Barnsley, Slime Party UK, has successfully secured government-backed financing, enabling it to significantly expand its operations, create new jobs, and develop new product lines.
This success story provides a valuable blueprint for other small businesses seeking to grow, especially those looking to enter or expand in export markets.
Slime Party UK’s journey: From kitchen to global markets
Slime Party UK began as a humble kitchen project by its founder, Ruby Sheldon, producing a mess-free variety of sensory putty. The business quickly gained traction and now supplies some of the largest toy retailers globally. However, despite its popularity, the company faced significant challenges in securing the necessary financing to continue its growth, particularly in export markets.
Overcoming financing challenges
With a £150,000 turnover, the company was too small to qualify for traditional trade finance packages, a common issue for micro-enterprises. So, Slime Party UK reached out to UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK government’s export credit agency.
UKEF connected the company with Newable Commerce, a specialist lender focused on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Backed by UKEF’s General Export Facility (GEF) guarantee, Newable Commerce were willing to provide a £55,000 financing package to Slime Party UK.
This funding has been instrumental in the company’s growth, allowing it to open a new 15,000 square foot factory in Barnsley, increase its staff by 50%, and expand its product range.
The financing has also enabled Slime Party UK to meet the high demand from its export markets, particularly in Europe and the Middle East, including Lebanon, Malta, and Ireland.
The business is now well-positioned to continue its expansion into new markets globally, thanks to the financial backing and strategic support it received.
Lessons for other small businesses
There are some key takeaways for all small businesses, especially those involved in exporting, including:
1. Explore Government-Backed Financing: UKEF’s General Export Facility and other government-backed financing options can be a lifeline for you if you are struggling to secure traditional financing for your business. These resources are designed to support SMEs at various stages of growth, particularly those looking to expand internationally.
2. Be willing to partner with specialist lenders: Working with non-bank lenders, like Newable Commerce, that specialise in supporting SMEs, can provide access to tailored financing solutions that align with your business’ unique cash flow needs and growth objectives.
3. Leverage Networking Opportunities: UKEF not only provided financial support but also connected Slime Party UK with Dynamic Funding Limited, a broker that helped the business secure additional private financing. Building a network of financial and strategic partners can open doors to you for new opportunities and resources.
4. Invest in Growth and Innovation: With the right financing in place, Slime Party UK was able to invest in new facilities, staff, and product development. For your business, securing funding is just the first step - investing wisely in areas that will drive growth and innovation is crucial.
If you are a small business looking to follow in Slime Party UK’s footsteps, the message is clear: the right financial backing, coupled with strategic partnerships, can unlock significant growth opportunities and pave the way for success.
See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/yorkshire-toy-maker-grows-with-government-backing
August 19, 2024