Eight Norfolk businesses have received support from the Jarrold Growth Fund, in partnership with Norfolk County Council.
The Fund launched in February 2024 as part of the Jarrold Group’s ongoing commitment to Norwich, Norfolk and the business community.
Combined support worth £100,000 was made available in the latest round of support through a mix of funding, mentoring and practical help.
More than 70 start-ups and established businesses applied to the scheme with the eight companies successfully securing funding, investment or support.
They are:
Urban Interiors: funding will help the founder embark on training and benefit from professional support to elevate her local profile.
L V Bespoke: specialists in bespoke metalwork and point-of-sale displays for the horticultural and lifestyle sectors. The Growth Fund’s support will enable LV to scale up operations and develop the business in a structured, sustainable way.
Oichi Kombucha: run by three sisters in rural Norfolk, the drinks company creates authentic artisan kombucha infusions, made with seasonal, fresh and foraged ingredients. Fund support will enable Oichi to launch their own Healthy Vending Machine, with healthy drinks and snacks.
Oichi will also receive support from Jarrolds’ marketing agency, Yawn, and its logistics resources.
Due Trade: creates online ordering platforms for the B2B sector to help businesses increase trade orders and save time on inbound enquiries. The Fund will help Due Trade invest in a business developer to support customers and its next phase of growth.
One of a Kind Club: this jewellery brand is already available throughout the UK. The Growth Fund will help the business launch a new sustainable range and develop a better understanding of high-street trends, visual merchandising, marketing expertise and customer preferences to inform future product development and retail strategy.
Norfolk County Council also provided funding to the following organisations:
Zoological Society of East Anglia was awarded funding to revamp its outside seating area at Banham Zoo, enhancing the attraction’s food and beverage offering.
Stepping Stones is a Norwich charity where adults with learning disabilities receive education, training and support to fulfil their potential. Funding will enable Stepping Stones to further develop its range of student-made products, such as stationery, calendars, t-shirts and bags. This includes attending its first trade show in London to showcase products to a national B2B audience.
Dragonfly Flooring is an independent business in south Norfolk which received funding to help develop its marketing strategy, including an investment in impactful vehicle graphics to ensure it stands out.
Caroline Ellis is group business development manager at the Jarrold Group.
“The Growth Fund has shown once again how much innovation and heart there is across Norfolk,” Caroline explains. “We wanted to support businesses that combine creativity with a clear sense of purpose and growth in mind and our chosen applicants have that in abundance.
“At the Jarrolds Group, we don’t just offer funding, we share our expertise in training, marketing, logistics, facilities management and retail to help these businesses grow in a way that’s sustainable and true to their vision. All the businesses we have selected as beneficiaries of the Jarrold Growth Fund will receive a relevant package of practical support to enable their sustainable growth and progression.”
Cllr Fabian Eagle, Norfolk County Council said: “You only have to read the comments from some of these ventures about the impact it will have to see its real value, and I’m delighted that Norfolk County Council has been able to collaborate with Jarrold to provide this support.”
Hannah Springham, co-founder of Farmyard Frozen, explains why receiving Jarrold Growth Fund investment in 2024 was a game-changer for her business.
“Jarrold’s investment in Farmyard could not have come at a better time for us,” Hannah explains. “It has helped us pivot into selling our Norfolk-made products to international first and business class airlines, which has been a real game changer for our business.
“The help, support and faith that the Jarrold team have provided has been incredible: we feel very fortunate and are really enjoying engaging with them and leaning into their experience and advice as we grow.”
“My advice for recipients is to be relentless. Never give up, there is always a way to make it happen,” Hannah concludes.
