Healthy funding deal for supplements business

A Stoke-on-Trent sports and health supplement business says it has increased its stock levels and boosted its cash flow to meet increased demand throughout the Covid-19 crisis, after landing funding from HSBC UK.

Biobrade, run by former international athlete Clifton Bradeley, saw the orthotics side of its business come to a halt as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which solely funded the manufacturing of its health supplements, a separate part of the business.

The business has now secured an increased overdraft facility with HSBC UK from £70,000 to £100,000, which will ensure Biobrade can meet its online orders for health supplements.

Biobrade has implemented the Government’s furlough scheme for three members of staff in the orthotics team, with six remaining in the manufacturing facility to produce its supplements.

Clifton Bradeley, chief executive, Biobrade said: “The Covid-19 crisis means we’ve had to freeze our orthotics arm of the business, which in turn would have seen a stop to our supplement manufacturing, despite a high number of online health supplement orders since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak and population lockdown. Thanks to HSBC UK’s support, we have been able to continue our supplement manufacturing and fulfil these orders.”

Melissa Orpe, relationship manager, HSBC UK said: “Biobrade has seen such high demand for health supplements in recent weeks, and we were more than happy to increase its overdraft facility to help ensure the business is able to fulfil its online orders, getting health supplements in people’s hands across Britain.”