NW business briefs: Tilly and Ted; Love Allura; AMBS; JJ Smith; RAP Renewables; Richardsons Healthcare

Tilly and Ted, a Cheshire-based online, high-end homeware store, has secured a £55,000 loan from NPIF II-GC Business Finance & River Capital Smaller Loans, delivered by GC Business Finance & River Capital as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II).

Conceived during the Covid-19 pandemic by Louise Ward, Tilly and Ted was created to provide a bridge between high end furnishings and mid-range price points. By sourcing unique furniture not found on the high street, the website combines classic and timeless styles with unique finishings.

As the business continued to grow, Louise began using an external fulfilment centre to cater to Tilly and Ted’s growing order book. Subsequently, Tilly and Ted has achieved 53% year on year growth in turnover. However, to help scale the business further and increase margins on products, Louise worked with the GC Business Finance team to secure external finance through NPIF II.

With the funding in place, Louise will be focusing on growing the business and scaling operations. The business operates a successful digital marketing programme and will be looking to build on this by hiring a part time team member to focus on social media and customer service. Currently only operating in the UK, Louise is also looking at expanding the website’s product offering to an international market.

Louise Ward said: “From a passion project that started in my garage, I’m incredibly proud of how far Tilly and Ted has come. I’ve always loved interior design, but never considered turning it into a career. However, with the right support I’ve been able to grow Tilly and Ted to be a financially viable, successful business.”

Alison Darkes, Investment Manager at GC Business Finance, said: “Louise exemplifies what it means to be an entrepreneur, spotting a gap in the market and turning one of her long held passions into a successful business. By working closely with Louise, it was evident how much opportunity there was in Tilly and Ted, and we wanted to help her unlock this. By securing essential funding through NPIF II, Louise will be able to increase margins on products and ensure growth for the long-term. I look forward to seeing what’s next for Tilly and Ted.”

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Jay Pollard and Chelsea Kelly

Chelsea Kelly, founder of Love Allura, has teamed up with Adidas’s former Vice President of Brand Operations, Jay Pollard, to create new gymwear brand, ATIA Active.

Chelsea created Love Allura in 2018, which became a thriving six figure business selling renowned brands including PE Nation and Varley. She then went on to become Head of UK Operations and exclusive UK distributor of Australian activewear brand, Lilybod.

Five years later, Jay Pollard, former Adidas Senior Vice President of Brand Operations, read a story on Chelsea’s success with Love Allura, and was inspired to meet up to share experiences. What started as mentoring quickly evolved into the creation of a new activewear brand from scratch.

Chelsea has also hired London-based designer, Ffion Appleton Jones, who has a wealth of experience with luxury brands including Off White and industry giants Nike and Adidas. Chelsea said: “It was always an ambition of mine to create my own brand so when Jay reached out, it just felt like it was meant to be. With his background and career, it was a no brainer for us to create ATIA together. Within four weeks of an initial meeting in a cafe in Lark Lane, we had a business plan and the process of defining the brand had started.

“ATIA is perfect for women with busy lifestyles, who want to look and feel good from the inside out. Our pieces can be worn both to the gym or for day-to-day, with quality and fit being at the forefront. I’m incredibly excited to officially launch ATIA and share everything we have been working tirelessly on for almost two years.”

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Ken McPhail AMBS

Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) and the Manchester Football Association (MFA) have announced a new strategic partnership, which will see the two collaborate in delivering teaching and research around the business of football.

Under the agreement, MFA staff will be given access to AMBS’s suite of open executive education programmes, covering topics including strategic thinking, financial management, marketing, and operational skills.

Key MFA stakeholders with their own businesses, including staff, players and volunteers within grassroots, will also be able to access the OPEN SME programme – an on-demand, cost-free initiative for small business owners. Drawing on key research and knowledge from experts across the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Salford and University of Bolton, the flexible training grants small business owners the skills they need to thrive.

The partnership will provide AMBS students with the opportunity to gain work experience with the MFA, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge to practical situations and gain valuable industry experience. Ken McPhail, Head of Alliance Manchester Business School, said: “This partnership represents a great chance for us to pool our resources and share our expertise to help drive the game forward, while providing our students with access to exciting opportunities to work in the game. We look forward to building this partnership moving forwards.”

Colin Bridgford, Chief Executive from the Manchester Football Association, said: “AMBS’s world leading academics and facilities bring a wealth of experience and expertise, and this partnership will allow both parties to benefit with the aim of making football more accessible and beneficial for our grassroots communities across Greater Manchester and ultimately providing a better grassroots game in Greater Manchester.”

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Knowsley-based JJ Smith has been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, which highlights the 101-year-old firm’s exceptional contributions to innovation and excellence in international trade.

The award was presented by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mark Blundell, on behalf of King Charles III, joined by the High Sheriff of Merseyside and the Mayor of Knowsley.

Founded in 1923 and proudly family-owned for four generations, JJ Smith has cemented its position in the woodworking machinery industry. Specialising in both new and used woodworking machinery, the company serves a diverse range of sectors, including offsite construction, garden building manufacturing, door, staircase, and window production, as well as educational institutions and the UK’s prison system.

Managing director, Rachael Baker, said: “This is an incredible honour for JJ Smith and our community in Knowsley. Being one in only four businesses in Merseyside to receive the King’s Award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team.

“We take pride in providing opportunities for young people in Knowsley and supporting businesses across the Liverpool City Region to engage with their communities.”

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Clelland McIver facility

Rochdale-based RAP Renewables has been awarded the contract to deliver a major solar installation for Cleland McIver at its cutting-edge new sustainable facility in Rochdale.

The significant project will see RAP install an advanced 800kW string array solar solution, which will cover 14,450 sq m using 1,455 high efficiency solar panels. Designed to offset the company’s carbon footprint and reduce reliance on traditional power sources, the system is expected to supply up to 30% of the facility’s annual electricity demand.

The five-week installation will be managed entirely by RAP Renewables, which will oversee electrical procurement, material supply, technology specification, scaffold set-up, and stringent testing to ensure optimal performance.

Paul Adams, operations and logistics director at Cleland McIver, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with RAP on this important project, which will help future proof our operations with clean, renewable energy.”

Lee Storey, RAP’s head of renewables, said: “This 800kW project represents a major milestone for RAP Renewables, showcasing our capability to deliver substantial renewable solutions for large industrial clients. We look forward to delivering a system that not only meets Cleland McIver’s energy goals but also sets a new benchmark for solar projects in the industrial sector.”

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Mark Blundell, the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside and Prof John Mohin, High Sheriff of Merseyside, visited Sefton recently to present Bootle firm Richardsons Healthcare with a King’s Award for Enterprise. Also present at the celebration was Max Steinburg and Bootle MP Peter Dowd.

The presentation was a second for Richardsons, which was presented with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for outstanding exporting in 2019. Richardsons manufacture specialist operating table mattresses and accessory pads for medical device companies worldwide.

Michael Gould, Executive Director of Richardsons, said: “Winning the UK’s most prestigious business award gives a small company such as ours real legitimacy in the eyes of potential customers and suppliers, it’s an important ingredient in our desire to sell more overseas. The Invest Sefton team have assisted us with many projects over the past 10 years including advising on our application for this year’s Kings Award for Enterprise.”

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said: “Congratulations to Richardsons on their receipt of this prodigious award. They are one of just five Liverpool City Region businesses to be presented with the King’s Award for Enterprise this year and one of very few nationally to achieve such recognition twice.”

InvestSefton, the council’s enterprise, business support and inward investment service, has been working with Richardson for 10 years. Business Growth Adviser Julie Swarbrick has worked closely with Michael Gould and his team to develop initiatives aimed at encouraging other Sefton businesses to consider export.