Funding secures expansion for Lego retail business
Bricks in Bloom, a Lego retail business, has secured a £75,000 loan to fund its expansion.
Based in Carlisle, Cumbria, Bricks in Bloom started out making Lego flowers for weddings, and has evolved into an online retail store for Lego products.
It has quickly become one of the leading brick suppliers in the UK, distributing via Brick Owl and Brick Link, the leading brick marketplaces, and allows customers to build their own minifigures at various shows around the country.
Bricks in Bloom also offers Lego pieces that are from limited edition ranges as well as old stocks that Lego no longer supplies.
The funding has been secured from NPIF – BFS & MSIF Microfinance, managed by GC Business Finance in partnership with MSIF and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.
The loan has provided Bricks in Bloom working capital to ensure they can offer the largest range of Lego in the UK, take on two new members of staff and move to new premises that are four times the size of their existing unit.
They have also been able to launch their pop-up shop in The Lanes Shopping Centre in Carlisle.
A Bricks in Bloom spokesperson said: “Demand for our unique products and our ability to provide Lego pieces that are otherwise impossible to get has shot up in recent years. We’ve been amazed with the response, and are so excited to be able to strengthen our offering for our customers.
“This loan will enable us to provide an even better service to our customers, and our larger premises means that we’ll be able to stock even more rare pieces.”
Kevin Glover, fund manager at GC Business Finance, said: “It’s been great working with Bricks in Bloom and watching it go from strength to strength.
“Its recent growth is a testament to its products and innovation. There’s no doubt that the next few months are going to be busy and the pop-up store is sure to be a huge hit again when they open in July.”
Steve Curl, Cumbria LEP Board Member and Member of the NPIF Strategic Oversight Board, said: “It’s great to see Bricks in Bloom building their business with financial support from NPIF’s Microfinance Fund. Hopefully this will encourage other rapidly growing businesses in Cumbria to take advantage of debt or equity provision from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.”
Sue Barnard at the British Business Bank, added: “As we recover from the pandemic, businesses such as Bricks in Bloom are going to be vital in pushing forward the levelling up agenda, and it’s great to see NPIF supporting another business during such a critical time.”
