Whitley Bay-based supplier of organic seaweed products Seaweed & Co, is a recipient of the Start Up Loans programme. Having started the business in 2014 after discovering the nutritional benefits of seaweed Dr Craig Rose, also known as Dr Seaweed, sought to make it as easy as possible to achieve natural health and wellness from sustainable seaweed. The business received a loan of £25,000 in January 2020 to launch its products to stores across the UK.
“Without the support and advice we received from Start Up Loans, we wouldn’t be in the strong position we are today. We’ve been able to launch in Boots stores and online, in Holland & Barratt and in Sainsbury’s. Beyond that, we’ve expanded overseas, and are enabling people across the world to experience the benefits of seaweed!
Having the support from Start Up Loans, as a government-backed programme, gave me the confidence to believe in myself and fully make the move to become my own boss. I hadn’t come from a business background, so whilst the low interest loans were brilliant, having access to the pre-and-post loan advice and guidance was crucial for me, and it ultimately what attracted me to Start Up Loans as a lender.”
