Environmentally friendly paint business expands HQ

Emma Bulmer and Caroline Cattle

A manufacturer of environmentally friendly paints has boosted its workforce and expanded its headquarters after securing grant funding.

Edward Bulmer Natural Paints (EBNP) have been awarded £9,000from the Marches Building Investment Grant (MBIG) which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

It is aimed at funding extensions, renovations and reconfigurations to commercial premises so that businesses can realise growth and for EBNP, it has meant a significant expansion to its headquarters in Pembridge near Leominster.

Born out of an interior design business that provides design consultancy to the UK’s finest listed buildings, EBNP initially launched in response to a client who requested that no chemicals should be used in their home.  It soon became apparent, however, that there was a wider market for producing natural paints and so began a journey of incredible growth.

Edward Bulmer Natural Paints became a brand in its own right in 2015 and has grown seven-fold since.  Now boasting a portfolio of 72 paint colours, all derived simply from natural earth and mineral pigments, its eco-credentials, combined with a burgeoning mass-interest in interior design, have allowed EBNP to quickly become a premium brand.

Director Emma Bulmer said: “We deliver a top-quality product and with so few truly natural paints available, we’ve quickly achieved stand-out in the market.  With consumers increasingly aware of the negative impact of plastics and chemicals on the world around us, and our commitment to not only manufacturing these paints, but to also providing a personal consultancy service on their use, our growth has been meteoric.

“A year ago, we realised that we’d need to expand our Herefordshire base or risk losing out on both current sales and future growth.”

Emma and her co-director and husband, Edward, had a redundant barn building on their existing property which lent itself to be converted into a dedicated production and packaging facility, freeing up the existing building for use solely as meeting and office space.

Emma said: “Moving to a new location wasn’t an option for us.  We had the barn already here and a move would have entailed costs that we weren’t able to finance.  When I read about the Marches Building Investment Grant in the Hereford Times, I decided it could provide a solution to us.

“I’m glad I did, as not only was the support and guidance we received invaluable, but we also now have clearly defined areas for each aspect of the business and a welcoming office space in which we can meet with stockists and customers.  Without the grant, we’d have undoubtedly lost out on important sales opportunities.”

The company has already appointed two additional full-time members of staff, as well as increasing the hours of several existing employees.

The hunt for more staff is underway.

Grant manager Caroline Cattle said: “Emma and Edward established EBNP at a time when not only did consumers become more discerning about their interior design needs, but also more conscious of the environmental impact that their decorating choices could have.  They have, consequently, enjoyed significant growth.

“However, wishing to stay true to the ethos of their business and committed to their Herefordshire base, they were determined to realise expansion in a way that didn’t compromise either.  I am delighted to have supported them through their grant application and to witnessing their progress.”

 

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