Fledgling Liverpool tea company aiming for international growth after £100k investment
Growth is brewing at a Liverpool tea company after it received a six-figure investment from NPIF-River & GC Microfinance.
Stratton Tea, an ethical beverage and spice distributor, has significantly boosted its operations with a £100,000 boost.
River Capital manages the fund in partnership with GC Business Finance as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF).
The investment marks a pivotal moment in Stratton Tea’s journey towards embracing its future growth ambitions.
Established in 2022, Stratton Tea will use the finance to bolster equipment purchases and the creation of pivotal roles within the company, paving the way for an exciting expansion phase.
Drawing on a family legacy spanning more than 75 years in the tea industry, Gholam Momen and Saif Servaia started the business in India.
Razi Khan’s journey began in 2022 when he resigned from tea maker Typhoo after 12 years with his last role as director procurement manager and joined with Gholam and Saif to start Stratton Tea UK and become a global player.
At Typhoo, Razi cultivated an extensive network of suppliers, distributors, and retailers while honing his tea blending and brand marketing expertise.
This diverse skillset has proven invaluable as he steers Stratton Tea toward new horizons, serving wholesalers across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Sue Chambers, investment manager at River Capital, said: “River Capital is delighted to support Razi and the Stratton Tea team in their mission to provide ethical distribution services worldwide.
“Razi’s wealth of industry experience and his extensive global network are already yielding impressive results in terms of orders and contracts. We have full confidence in the continued success of the business and eagerly anticipate Razi’s journey.”
Razi Khan said: “My vision to bring tea from bush to cup is to transform consumers into drinking high quality and responsibly-sourced beverages. Our aim in the medium and longer term would be to have a manufacturing site in the North West with an aim to grow and hire locally.
“At Stratton Tea, we are looking to export products manufactured in the UK. In order to do so, we would thank all our partners like River Capital who have played an important role and trusted us with their support for the business, so onwards and upwards responsibly.”
Debbie Sorby, senior manager at the British Business Bank said: “Stratton Tea is a global business that’s making an impact. Its focus on bringing its consumers responsible tea from bush to cup and their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices sets a great example for the industry.”
