Homeware firm secures six-figure funding deal for international growth

A Cornwall-based enterprise specialising in eco-friendly cork products has secured additional funding from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF), administered by The FSE Group.

The £100,000 loan facilitates the company’s entrance into the US and broader European markets.

I for Design, known for its sustainability, crafts its primary product line using cork offcuts from bottle manufacturing.

Operating under the LIGA brand, the company produces a diverse range of natural and environmentally conscious homeware items, both under its label and as white-label products. LIGA products are available in numerous independent boutiques, and garden centres across the UK, and are featured in establishments such as The Eden Project, John Lewis, and the National Trust.

David Elderkin, director at I for Design, said: “Our ethical and environmentally conscious brand resonates with consumers and we’ve seen continued interest from both large and small retailers. Since our first CIOSIF loan, we have gone from stocking around 200 stores to currently over 500 in the UK. We are so pleased to have the continued support of CIOSIF and FSE for this next stage of our growth as we look to launch our products in the US, before
focusing on growing our existing customer base in Europe, Australia and New
Zealand.”

Tim Williams, investment manager at The FSE Group, said: “We have been impressed with the progress made by David and the team since our first CIOSIF loan. Over the past four years, they have more than doubled the number of stores they stock and quadrupled turnover. They have continued to innovate their environmentally friendly offering with circa 500 products that now also include pottery, recycled plastic and wood designs, and we are delighted to be able to support their international expansion.”