On-the-go travel accessory company secures funding boost

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 7 December 2019

Derby-based travel accessory manufacturer launches thanks to a cash injection from Enterprise Loans East Midlands.

Heather Whelbourn, a practiced retail consultant with decades of experience, formed Sunrest with three co-founders in May 2017. The Derbyshire-based on-the-go travel accessory manufacturer recently launched into the market with their first product. Heather and the other founders, spotted a gap in the market and created The Sunrest: a three-in-one beach towel, air pillow and bag to fill it.

Heather said:

“The travel industry has changed rapidly over the past few years as lots of people no longer go away to just lie on a beach all week. We’ve seen a rise in UK travel, short breaks and holidays which balance ‘experiences’ with relaxation - meaning the demand for a product like ours has never been higher.

“People want a handy accessory they can carry easily and take everywhere with them, which is why our product is perfect for the modern traveller. No one else in the market has an offering like ours so we are sure we will be able to plug the gap in the industry.

“We found out about Enterprise Loans through the Derby Chamber of Commerce and then researched the company further online before deciding to contact them. The support we received from our business advisor was second to none. The whole process of working with Enterprise Loans was fantastic, they gave us great advice which reassured us that we were on the right track.”

Sunrest received a £16,000 start-up loan from Enterprise Loans East Midlands (ELEM) to match Sunrest self-funding. The funding boost will mainly be spent on new stock and marketing activity.

Matthew Wright, business advisor at Enterprise Loans, said:

“The Sunrest team is passionate about the business and have developed a fantastic and unique product that I have no doubt will be very successful. We’re thrilled to be able to help Heather and the rest of the team with additional capital to support their business and wish them every success in their venture.”

For more information on Enterprise Loans visit www.first-enterprise.co.uk or follow @1st_Enterprise on Twitter.

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