Cornish refill shop, Let’s Get Naked, has received a £25k Start Up Loan via SWIG Finance.
The funding has been used to fit and stock the shop in the White Hart Shopping Arcade, Launceston. The shop is open six days a week with a late-night opening on Thursdays.
Leading the business is entrepreneur Jade Harvey, who was inspired to start her own plastic-free journey while she was living in Australia. Having been impressed by how clean and plastic free the beaches were, Harvey noticed a stark difference when visiting Asia, where many of the rivers were blocked up with plastic debris.
Back in the UK, Harvey wanted to minimise the plastics she was using, but the nearest refill shop was still 20 miles away and so she decided to start her own refill shop.
Since opening the shop just three weeks ago, Harvey has seen a good level of footfall and is encouraged that her message is being well-received by her local community.
When Harvey decided to take the leap to be her own boss, she enlisted the help of Access to Finance who helped her put together a business plan and introduced her to SWIG Finance.
“From start to finish, the process was very efficient,” she said. “My business manager Nicki made me feel at ease and was very encouraging. I was surprised how quickly the funds were released and found this a very positive experience all round.”
Start Up Loans business manager, Nicki Kimberley, added: “I was inspired reading Jade’s business plan because it is very clear from the outset that she has a genuine passion for creating a more sustainable society. Even the smallest lifestyle changes could help contribute to positive climate action, and Let’s Get Naked is helping many like-minded people begin their plastic-free journey.”
