Luxury hamper firm Heather & Bale predicts bumper Christmas after £50,000 support

A luxury hamper business says it is primed for its busiest-ever festive period following five-figure support.

Heather & Bale has received £50,000 from the North East Small Loan Fund Supported by The European Regional Development Fund.

Bosses say the cash will help upgrade the Alnwick-based business’ digital marketing and advertising campaigns, support future recruitment plans and further enhance its presence in the corporate gifting sector, where it works with clients including Paul Smith and Accenture.

Director Carolyn Wilson, who founded the firm with Susan Smith and Laura Millar in spring 2020, said: “The support we received from the NEL team was invaluable and, as we prepare for what promises to be our busiest season, we are excited about the future that lies ahead.

“We are at the stage where we have developed a signature style and product range that resonates perfectly with our target audience.

“Our focus now is on unlocking the potential for growth within our business by attracting and retaining an expanding customer base.”

Jonathan Armitage, NEL Fund Managers’ investment executive, added: “The product quality that Heather & Bale and its North East suppliers offer really makes it stand out from the crowd.

“We’re very pleased to be working with a business that places such importance on our home region.”

Part of the £130 million North East Fund and aimed predominantly at smaller SMEs, the £9 million North East Small Loan Fund typically offers loans of up to £100,000 to businesses in Tyne & Wear, Durham and Northumberland.

• Pictured, above, from left to right, are Heather & Bale co-directors Laura Millar and Carolyn Wilson, with NEL Fund managers’ Jonathan Armitage and fellow Heather & Bale co-director Susan Smith