‘Man flu’ remedy firm wins growth booster
AN entrepreneur who has created a cold and flu remedy for men has been boosted by a £500,000 investment to grow his business.
Manchester-based MANFLU Ltd, which was set up by Jonathan Evans, 40, has won backing from The North West Fund for Venture Capital to expand his product range.
He will use the cash to develop other health and well-being products after his success with his ‘man flu’ remedy, which after launch in late 2010 is now stocked by Sainsbury’s and other retailers.
The light-hearted brand has sold more than 100,000 bottles in Sainsbury’s alone from just three inches of shelf space.
MANFLU ‘Hot or Shot’ is a health supplement that can be drunk on the go as a ‘booster’ shot or drunk hot for the ultimate long soothing brew.
Mr Evans, who has worked on major brands such as £100m youth snack brand Pot Noodle and world-leading rum brand Bacardi, is working with Cheshire entrepreneur Chris Hook, the former owner of Nutrition Point, who is MANFLU’s chairman.
The North West Fund for Venture Capital is managed by EV and financed by The European Regional Development Fund and The European Investment Bank.
Mr Evans said: ““Having the financial backing and support of EV will make a huge difference. Combine the knowledge, experience and knowhow of Chris Hook and the exciting range of innovative products we are bringing to market – this gives us all the ingredients of a winning team.”
Will Clark, investment director with EV, said: “Jonathan is a skilled marketeer with a strong, proven, track record in creating and managing brands.
“He has already been successful in getting MANFLU ‘Hot or Shot’ on the shelves in major retail outlets and has identified some exciting concepts for other health and wellbeing brands. This funding will help the company to develop those ideas and bring them to market.”
