A Cornwall-based homeware company, I for Design, is set to expand its footprint internationally, focusing on the United States and Europe. This expansion has been facilitated by a £100,000 loan from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF), managed by The FSE Group.

I for Design, headquartered in Truro, is renowned for creating a variety of home goods that are environmentally friendly, primarily using cork as their raw material. Their offerings are available under the LIGA brand and also as white-label products.

The company's ethical and sustainable approach to manufacturing resonates with consumers, sparking interest from both small and large retailers. I for Design's products are stocked in numerous independent boutiques and garden centres across the UK. Additionally, they have gained traction with well-known entities like The Eden Project, John Lewis, and the National Trust.

David Elderkin, director at I for Design, expressed his gratitude for the continued support from CIOSIF and FSE. He said, "Since our first CIOSIF loan, we have gone from stocking around 200 stores to currently over 500 in the UK." He added that they were excited to launch their products in the US market, followed by efforts to grow their existing customer base in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

The company's impressive growth and commitment to innovation have not gone unnoticed. Tim Williams, an investment manager at The FSE Group, said, "Over the past four years, they have more than doubled the number of stores they stock and quadrupled turnover."

Williams also noted how I for Design had expanded their environmentally friendly product range, which now includes around 500 items featuring pottery, recycled plastic, and wood designs. He expressed delight in supporting the company's international expansion.

The CIOSIF, a £40 million fund, provides debt and equity finance ranging from £25,000 to £2 million. It aims to assist growing small businesses across the region. The British Business Bank established the fund in partnership with the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership.

In summary, I for Design's planned expansion into international markets represents a significant milestone for the company. With continued support from CIOSIF and FSE, the firm is well-positioned to extend its ethical and sustainable product range to consumers beyond the UK, further solidifying its reputation as a leading environmentally conscious homeware brand.

(Source: Business Live)

Summary:

Cornwall-based homeware company is set to extend its sustainable product range into international markets, mainly the United States and Europe, backed by a £100,000 loan from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF). Known for their eco-friendly products primarily made from cork, the company has seen success within the UK with their products being stocked in over 500 stores, including renowned entities like The Eden Project, John Lewis, and the National Trust. The company's focus on ethical, sustainable manufacturing has led to its growth, with a fourfold increase in turnover in the past four years. With CIOSIF's continued support, I for Design aims to strengthen its stand as a leading, environmentally conscious homeware brand globally.