News

Warner’s, a founder-led alcoholic and non-alcoholic spirits business, has secured a £1.5million investment from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF), provided by The FSE Group Debt Finance Fund and backed by the Recovery Loan Scheme, to fund its international expansion, marketing objectives, production and tourism capacity. 

Warner’s is an award-winning distillery based on a family farm in Northamptonshire. The company’s natural spirits are crafted using water from a spring with home-grown botanicals. The largest independent craft gin distillery in the UK, Warner’s 200-year-old site also acts as a visitor attraction with 10 acres of botanical gardens, distillery buildings, tastings, and tours. 

Tina Warner-Keogh, co-founder and co-CEO, said: “We’ve been leading the way with naturally flavoured full strength gins since the gin renaissance of the mid 2010s and were the first craft distillery to launch a range of natural non-alcoholic spirits, which is now one of the fastest growing areas of the business. 

“We’ve developed a strong brand around quality and provenance and have secured the funding and resources required to meet growing demand. The MEIF expansion capital means we can continue delivering growth and build on the platform created to date. We’re grateful to FSE for their backing, enabling us to double bottling capacity and work towards our ambition to triple sales to £25+million over the next five years.”

A sustainable operation that puts nature at the heart of the business, Warner’s is a certified B Corp and commits a portion of business revenues to deliver green action. It has established a world first Warner’s Nature Marque initiative, which is encouraging biodiversity in pub gardens across the UK. Its Trash & Treasure botanical series is produced using ‘unwanted’ ingredients and food wastes such as dandelion roots, over-ripe bananas and discarded citrus peels.

Ann Marie McFadyen, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, added: “Warner’s has proven high demand for its award-winning products, which has in the past been met with temporary recruitment and short-term solutions. Its experienced and capable management team is now looking to establish an operation and employee base that is fit for future growth as they scale the business, and we are delighted to be supporting them to achieve this.”

The global gin market is estimated to be worth £9.3billion with the UK accounting for £2.2billion. Recent data suggests that 72% of consumers think about sustainability credentials when choosing food and drink with 40% willing to pay more for items that are sustainably sourced. Warner’s approach is aligned to this changing consumer behaviour, where their focus on sustainability and natural ingredients differentiates them from competitors and places them in a strong position to exploit this still-growing market.

Mark Wilcockson, Senior Investment Manager at British Business Bank added: "MEIF continues to support SMEs that prioritise sustainability and eco-friendly approaches to business and Warner’s Distillery fits this description perfectly as a B Corp. The MEIF supports sustainable growth for the region and this investment will support the company’s international expansion from its Midlands base.” 

Hilary Chipping, Chief Executive of SEMLEP said: “Success with Warner’s international expansion plans will be a major win for the UK drinks industry. The food and drink sector in the South East Midlands region alone exported around £313 million in 2021 and it has the potential for significant growth. With a diverse range of food and drink businesses, this region is home to innovators in the sector supported by an expansive sector ecosystem in which Warner’s is a leading business and brand. We’re delighted to see investment in Warner’s and hope to see much future success.”

The Midlands Engine Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2022 and the European Investment Bank. The FSE Group manages a section of MEIF that provides investments between £100,000 and £1.5 million to support growing SMEs across the region. For more information visit: www.thefsegroup.com/fund/midlands-engine-investment-fund-debt-finance.

A specialist food producer has secured £500,000 from the East of England Regional Loan Scheme to support the growth of the business. 

Hemel Hempstead based Keeto Life, which produces food under its Seriously Low Carb brand, has created a range of award-winning keto and diabetes friendly food that includes bread rolls and loaves, pizza, flour and bread mixes, with pasta currently in development. 

The company’s 170,000+ customers seek low carb foods for a variety of reasons that include helping to manage health issues such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, drug resistant epilepsy and GLUT1 deficiency.  

The funding will be used for product development, sales and marketing and to recruit new staff, which will enable the business to expand into the retail and food service sectors and re-establish itself in Europe in the post-Brexit environment. 

Keeto Life founder and CEO, Andy Welch, said: “We’ve created a range of innovative foods that have disrupted the low-carb market, attracted a substantial loyal customer base and delivered thousands of five-star reviews. Pre-Brexit we were selling into 15 EU countries but logistical issues halted this. With recent developments in courier services making the EU accessible once more, we are now in a position to re-target this market as well as take up a number of other opportunities, including with supermarkets, the NHS and in education settings, and the regional growth loan will help us accelerate this and capitalise on our first-to-market position.” 

Not only do keto and low carb remain some of the most internet searched diet and health related terms, health services are now also recommending these diets for certain conditions. However, despite the NHS endorsing keto and low carb diets, clinicians have confirmed it can be difficult for patients due to the lack of satisfying keto and diabetes friendly food on the market. Keeto Life’s Seriously Low Carb products are recommended by NHS ketogenic clinicians and are being made available in some NHS settings. 

Simon Elliott, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, which manages the loan scheme, added: “Andy and his team have looked beyond the snack market to fill a gap for real low carb foods and their 80% repeat purchase rate speaks for itself. Despite being a new company, Keeto Life has achieved significant traction and brand recognition with a pipeline of opportunities within the food service and retail sector, as well as across new international territories, that place it on a high-growth trajectory. We are delighted to be supporting them and look forward to working with the team as the company expands.”   

The Regional Growth Loan Scheme (RGLS) is managed by The FSE Group on behalf of Local Enterprise Partnerships in the East of England. Loans between £50,000 and £500,000 are available to established incorporated businesses based within the East of England that have a minimum annual turnover of £100,000. The funding can be used for a range of growth activities as well as to service short to medium-term trade and contract finance requirements. The scheme aims to stimulate job creation and economic prosperity and supports SMEs that have the potential to deliver high-growth and employment opportunities across the East of England region. 

Cornish Software business Tappter has secured a £200,000 equity investment from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF) as part of a £400,000 funding round.

The CIOSIF investment, along with match-funding from existing and private investors, has been used to set up a base in Falmouth, and will create high value jobs to benefit the regional economy.

Established in 2016, Tappter’s app is a multi-channel messenger with ID verification and e-sign features. The business is currently targeting the residential sales and lettings market, allowing businesses and customers to communicate with multiple parties involved in the housing process.

An estate agent can use the software to communicate with a buyer, while also using it to speak with solicitors and conveyancers.  Broader expansion of services and markets is expected in the near future.

The all-in-one platform includes an innovative digital ID service enabling users to verify their ID within the app, which can then be used to confirm their identity with multiple businesses removing the need for repeat checks.

The brainchild of Keith Banwaitt (CEO) and Demetrio Filocamo (CTO), Tappter released an early beta version of the product which was used in a pilot project with the Entrepreneurial Spark programme within NatWest.

Keith Banwaitt, CEO at Tappter, commented: “Messaging apps are the primary method for communication between individuals. It makes sense that businesses should see the value in this trend and seek to duplicate its ease and ingenuity. We’ve mimicked the simplicity of popular messaging apps to make sure business and individual users have a seamless and simple experience, but the back end is anything but simple.

“Every communication need is met, from verifying IDs and document management to recording chat histories and providing the software as either a mobile or web app. The potential of Tappter is exciting and plain to see. With that in mind we are using the CIOSIF funds to open a new operational base to facilitate our growth and expand our team.”

Anna Staevska, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, added: “Tappter is an exciting young business with a compelling proposition with national and international potential. The business has a strong management team and the founders have attracted an impressive number of investors with strong experience in similar projects. We look forward to watching the team improve communication in the real estate industry and eventually expand to other industries.”

The £40m Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund provides debt and equity finance from £25,000 to £2 million to help growing small businesses across the region. It has been established by the British Business Bank in partnership with the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

John Acornley, LEP non-executive director and chair of the CIOSIF advisory board, said: “Tappter is an innovative business that has evolved the traditional messenger app into a business-focused platform that provides a simple yet secure messaging interface for customers. The fund’s investment paves the way for future growth and new markets.” 

Paul Jones, Senior Investment Manager from the British Business Bank said: “This investment from CIOSIF comes at an important time in Tappter’s development and will allow the business to grow its presence in Cornwall, create quality jobs and impact positively on the local economy. The fund has once again leveraged significant match funding from private investors as part of the deal.”

CIOSIF is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

For more information about the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund including how to apply, please visit www.ciosif.co.uk  or follow the fund on Twitter at @CIOSIFBBB2

With new funds being launched in Wales this year, we are inviting expressions of interest to join our team. This would be ideal for an experienced Business Development or Relationship Manager from a Business or Commercial Banking or SME lending background (including SME lending brokers) who is looking for a new and exciting opportunity to work with high-growth SMEs.  The lending is “market gap” lending which would not be provided by a Bank - looking at business plans and spend required to help the business grow (eg they are expanding organically and / or won a new contract).
We are looking for Investment Managers based across the following areas:

• South Wales Central & East
• South Wales West
• North Wales & Mid and West Wales

Job Responsibilities: 

• Originate a consistent pipeline of suitable lending opportunities, developing relationships with introducers, and marketing the product (business loans from £100k - £2million) to appropriate audiences
• Carry out evaluation and due diligence on suitable proposals in line with the Fund’s Lending Policy and Operational Guidelines.
• Write a lending credit report to the Risk approval function.
• Manage completion matters post approval including completion of facility documentation and working alongside company solicitors to ensure all security requirements are met
• Pro-actively manage a small client portfolio, monitoring performance and identifying early potential default situations.
• Contribute to periodic fund reporting requirements and preparation of marketing materials.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• Significant prior experience in lending to SMEs where the primary repayment source is future cash flow based on planned expansion
• Strong ability to assess and structure loan propositions based on future business plans / cashflows.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritise deadlines to meet customer expectations.
• Good presentation skills & ability to communicate and interact at all levels of management.
• A high level of IT proficiency, particularly on Microsoft Office 365 products 
• A diligent working style and experience using CRM systems to manage & track proposal activities.

What we offer:

• Flexible working – we like to get the current balance in home / work re-connection and understanding your personal commitments / interests.
• A competitive base salary commensurate with your experience.
• 25 days annual leave plus usual Bank holidays. You also get your birthday off and one day for a volunteering purpose.
• 5% contribution to employer pension scheme, subject to minimum 3% contribution from employee
• Option to join the private medical scheme (50% employer contribution to premium)
• Death in Service benefit equivalent to 4x salary.

About The FSE Group:

Our primary goal is to provide tailored funding solutions and support for ambitious and innovative small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to help them achieve their maximum potential. With over £225m of debt and equity funds under management, the Group is continuing to grow and prides itself on taking a holistic approach to the funding needs of our clients. For more information see www.thefsegroup.com

At the FSE Group we work hard to create an environment where our people can make a difference – to themselves, their career, their teams, and to the success of our firm and clients. We support all our people to work on a hybrid basis, to manage their family and other responsibilities alongside their work commitments; we believe this is key to achieving an inspiring and fulfilling working environment.

Diversity and Inclusion at the FSE Group:

The FSE Group is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion amongst our teams. This is central to our values of collaboration, Inclusivity, Innovation, Sustainability and Delivery.

The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. 

Job Types: Full-time, (but open to requests for part time of 4 days per week minimum). 

Applicants must have unrestricted access to work in the UK.

To express interest in this role, please email your CV to: HR@thefsegroup.com
 

With new funds being launched in Wales this year, we are looking for expressions of interest to join our team. We are looking for business development managers based across the following areas:

• South Wales Central & East
• South Wales West
• North Wales & Mid and West Wales

Job Description

• Primary responsibility for origination of debt and equity investment opportunities across Wales, including creation, management and development of prospective debt pipeline
• Marketing & promotion of the fund profile throughout Wales and more widely in terms of potential partner organisations.
• Initial response to inbound enquiries, including preliminary eligibility review and referral through to debt investment managers as appropriate.
• Proactive research of potential businesses suitable for support.
• Support origination, appraisal and execution of debt funding proposals.
• Provision of support to the Head of Fund including reporting to stakeholders.

Principal Accountabilities

Research & Generation

• Mapping of SME profiles across the region and identification/implementation of marketing & promotion strategies to maximise high quality pipeline of applicants.
• Management of deal pipeline development 

Marketing & Promotion

Regular and repeat marketing & promotional activity for the fund, including :

• Presentation & meetings with funders, accountants & other potential introducers across the region
• Attendance/speaking at relevant fund roadshows and partner events.
• Attendance at relevant local or sector cluster networking events.
• Provision of funding clinics across the region, either standalone or with partners.
• Preparation (with support of Head Office marketing team) of marketing collateral to support fund promotion & market awareness.
• Social media activity, in conjunction with FSE central marketing.

Inbound Enquiries
First point of contact for majority of inbound enquiries including :

• 24-Hour response to online and telephone enquiries.
• First sift consultation / review “triage” of enquirer proposals including general information/guidance to SMEs on funding options and relative features etc.
• Signposting of SMEs to relevant support networks, where proposal is not investment ready or requires additional support prior to fund team engagement.
• High-level engagement with applicant companies to support route through to full application process

General

• Support origination of loan funding proposals generally to achieve fund objectives.
• Maintenance of activity and enquirer/applicant engagement records, to support internal management and stakeholder reporting

 Knowledge, skills and experience

• Experience in originating, marketing, promotion & relationship building activity within funding or business support environment and associated SME & partner engagement activity.
• Strong presentation and communication skills
• Comfortable in presenting & discussing at director level with SMEs : empathy with SME sector.
• Strong analytical, communication and presentation skills.
• IT proficiency (Word, PowerPoint)

What we offer:

• Flexible working – we like to get the current balance in home / work re-connection and understanding your personal commitments / interests.
• A competitive base salary commensurate with your experience.
• 25 days annual leave plus usual Bank holidays. You also get your birthday off and one day for a volunteering purpose.
• 5% contribution to employer pension scheme, subject to minimum 3% contribution from employee
• Option to join the private medical scheme (50% employer contribution to premium)
• Death in Service benefit equivalent to 4x salary.

About The FSE Group:

Our primary goal is to provide tailored funding solutions and support for ambitious and innovative small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to help them achieve their maximum potential. With over £225m of debt and equity funds under management, the Group is continuing to grow and prides itself on taking a holistic approach to the funding needs of our clients. For more information see www.thefsegroup.com 

At the FSE Group we work hard to create an environment where our people can make a difference – to themselves, their career, their teams, and to the success of our firm and clients. We support all our people to work on a hybrid basis, to manage their family and other responsibilities alongside their work commitments; we believe this is key to achieving an inspiring and fulfilling working environment.

Diversity and Inclusion at the FSE Group:

The FSE Group is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion amongst our teams. This is central to our values of collaboration, Inclusivity, Innovation, Sustainability and Delivery. 

The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. 
Job Types: Full-time, (but open to requests for part time of 4 days per week minimum). 

Applicants must have unrestricted access to work in the UK.

To express interest in this role, please email your CV to: HR@thefsegroup.com