Key Takeaways:
- Fair-Well, a North London-based sustainable refill shop, wins a significant £25,000 Business Boost grant.
- The grant was awarded amidst fierce competition with over 17,000 UK-wide applicants.
- The funding will be used for product expansion, delivery van upgrades, and digital marketing to strengthen and expand the business.
A Victory for Sustainability and Innovation In an inspiring display of entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to sustainability, Fair-Well, a refill shop and delivery service based in Finsbury Park, North London, has emerged victorious in the Simply Business £25,000 Business Boost grant competition. This win, selected from a staggering 17,000 UK-wide applicants, signifies a milestone for environmentally conscious businesses in the UK.
Fair-Well: A Beacon of Eco-Friendly Practices Established in 2019, Fair-Well is not just a store; it’s a movement. With a vision rooted in combating the plastic pollution crisis, Fair-Well offers package-free refills of everyday staples, delivering them via a charming, converted vintage milk float. Their approach is a direct challenge to conventional packaging methods, making eco-friendly options both accessible and convenient.
The Journey of Fair-Well: A Mission to Expand and Innovate Claire Marchais, the visionary owner of Fair-Well, plans to leverage the grant to take her business to new heights. Her strategy includes introducing an array of eco-friendly products, revamping their iconic delivery van, and investing in digital marketing. This expansion aims not just to cement Fair-Well’s presence in North London but also to reach new postcodes, broadening the impact of their sustainable mission.
A Panel of Experts Recognizing Excellence The decision to award Fair-Well the grant was made by a panel of distinguished judges, including Baroness Karren Brady CBE, Simply Business’s Small Business Ambassador, Mark Maciver, founder and CEO of SliderCuts, and Hapreet Kaur, co-founder of Oh So Yum and winner of BBC’s The Apprentice 2022. Their collective expertise and understanding of business challenges lent credibility and significance to Fair-Well’s achievement.
Baroness Karren Brady CBE: An Advocate for Small Business Success Baroness Brady, known for her business acumen and advocacy for small businesses, commented on the transformative potential of such a cash prize. She praised Fair-Well’s innovative approach to addressing the plastic pollution crisis and recognized Claire Marchais as an exceptionally deserving winner.
Simply Business: Fostering Growth Amid Challenges The Business Boost grant, designed by small business insurance provider Simply Business, reflects a commitment to support small businesses facing economic hardships. Alan Thomas, UK CEO at Simply Business, highlighted the importance of backing small enterprises like Fair-Well, especially given the current economic climate marked by rising living costs and inflation.
The Importance of SMEs in the UK Economy The recent SME Insights Report from Simply Business sheds light on the precarious situation of UK SMEs, with a significant percentage fearing closure if business conditions don’t improve. This grant comes at a crucial time, offering not just financial support but a morale boost to the small business community.
About Simply Business Simply Business, one of the UK’s leading business insurance providers, specializes in public liability insurance for SMEs. With over 900,000 small businesses and landlords insured across the UK, Simply Business uses technology and data to deliver tailored policies to its clients. With offices in the UK and the US, the company stands out for its commitment to positive social impact and has been recognized as the Sunday Times Best Company To Work For.
Small businesses interested in next year’s Business Boost can sign up at Simply Business Business Boost.
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