Zero waste home care brand cleans up with major investment
Yorkshire Business Masters winner 2021, The Friendly Chemical Co. a sustainable chemical manufacturer has secured its first-ever investment from Fearless Adventures.
The deal value, which is undisclosed is described as the largest investment to date from investment platform for start-up entrepreneurs launched in October by young entrepreneurs David Newns, Dominic McGregor, and Charlie Yates.
The funding will support the expansion of The Friendly Chemical Co.’s award-winning ethical cleaning products brand, Miniml and comes two years after the Skipton-based business launched the range.
Currently available in 2,500 stores including major stockists such as Booths with the company one of the only manufacturers in the UK to operate on a completely closed loop system through its unique reverse logistics model, which means that all empty packaging is collected free of charge, to be cleaned, reused and refilled back at its Yorkshire Dales factory.
The business which last year took home the title of Fast Growth Business of the Year started in Emma Tapper and Scott Rudd’s garage in Leeds where the co-founders used a paint mixer and a 200L drum to make the first product. Since then the business has grown and in November announced an expansion into a 10,000 sq ft state of the art facility in Skipton.
Tapper said: “As The Friendly Chemical Co. is growing rapidly, we needed investment to scale and meet the rising demand for our sustainable ranges. When Scott and I began searching for a partner, it was vital we found an organisation that shared our values and was fully behind our goal – to leave a minimal trace on the planet.
“The ethos of the Fearless Adventures team aligns perfectly with ours, especially their drive to challenge the status quo and do things differently. 2022 is shaping up to be a significant year in our history, with new product launches lined up, and our team and network of stockists growing at a fast pace. Fearless Adventures’ support will add real value to what we do, and we can’t wait to start working with the team.”
Yates, co-founder of Fearless Adventures, said: “Miniml has already built a phenomenal reputation in organic markets across the UK thanks to creating a closed-loop, zero-waste supply chain for all cleaning, laundry, and personal care needs.
“After meeting the founders, it was clear that we both have a similar vision for the business. We believe the brand can become a sector leader that encourages more consumers to make the small, simple switches to a better, greener lifestyle.
“The state-of-the-art bulk chemical blending facility has doubled production levels, so is already gearing up for strong growth. With our help in sourcing the best talent and supporting growth marketing, Emma and Scott will be able to bring their brilliant brand to a much wider consumer audience.”
