British lifestyle brand will use funds to support further UK growth and international expansion.
British lifestyle brand, Emma Bridgewater has secured £8 million in investment to help support further UK growth and international expansion.
The brand – which is best known for its hand-decorated pottery, but has also expanded into a wide selection of home products as well as glassware, stationery, wallpaper, fabrics and picnic-ware – was founded in 1984 by Emma (pictured) after she was unable to find the right gift for her mother’s birthday.
BGF – the UK and Ireland’s most active investor in growing businesses – has made the investment, while HSBC has also committed a £2.5 million debt facility.
The funds will continue to support the brand’s growth in the UK – increasing capacity at its Stoke-on-Trent factory – as well as exploring international markets including the US and China.
The transaction sees Colin Porter, former ceo of Joules, join the board as non executive chair, as well as Joanne Smith, an investor at BGF.
“The company is well-known for relaxed, colourful, domestic pottery; our distinctive and friendly designs are also available on a wide range of home wares, beyond the kitchen dresser,” said Emma. “All our ceramics are made in Staffordshire deploying traditional local craft skills; we have grown organically over the past 35 years whilst staying true to my vision of beautiful wares, made with love and attention in a beautiful factory.
“I am personally very excited to have this opportunity to work with the BGF, with Colin Porter chairing our Board, to expand our brand into new markets – and a new era.”
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