Ambitious online business drives growth plans forward

INNOVATIVE online supplies business Frillo is powering ahead with its growth plans.

Frillo, launched by entrepreneur Gerard Toplass, received a £300,000 funding boost from Finance Yorkshire earlier this year and as it continues to develop its offering, it is now hoping to secure further investment to take the business forward.

A one-stop online shop for business supplies, such as furniture and stationary, Frillo is also partnering with organisations including the HMRC to offer advice and information, as well as working with suppliers such as flower delivery network Interflora, so businesses can purchase those less conventional office products, too.

“Think Amazon, but for business – and at a cost that our customers know is good value,” Toplass said.

“We want to be a one-stop-shop for everything small businesses need.

“The next venture now will be to take the business forward and look at that next level of funding. Over the next two years, we want to become a major player in this space.”

Toplass highlighted that the SME market is undergoing “massive growth”, which is ideal for Frillo.

“For us, SMEs are our target business, so this is perfect – we want to push Frillo into this SME space.

“The opportunity is there and we are in a good position to grow and then as we continue on our journey, unlock more growth.”

Toplass said that if sales continue to rise at the rate they currently are, and the business can secure funding to progress the site further, it could see turnover reach £10m next year.

“There’s massive appetite in the market for this,” Toplass added.

Frillo currently has a small team of four but will bump this up slightly to eight next year.

Currently delivering in the UK, Frillo also said that as business increases, there is the chance to broaden out into European markets.

Toplass also runs Hull-based office stationery and furniture manufacturer Claughton Office Equipment, is an investor in software company Sypro, an investor and commercial director of leisure manufacturer and service provider Leisure Electronics and also an investor in Pagabo, a consumer focused education revision system for children doing GCSE’s.

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