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The Gift That Keeps on Giving: IMP & MAKER Secures £200K Growth Funding

  • Marta Macialek
  • Nov 12
  • 3 min read

Founded by Sarah Louise Fairburn who has over 20 years of experience in food retail and production. She launched IMP & MAKER in 2020 to bring innovation and quality to the gifting industry.

What does your business do and how is it different from competitors? 

The whole idea of IMP & MAKER is creating modern food and drink gifts that are different from the norm, that people can experience in the here and now. We deliver gift experiences that customers can enjoy like champagne, salmon, breakfast in bed and much more. 


We differ from competitors by creating products that we’re thinking about and how people are going to use and enjoy them. We truly care about our customers, and if a customer isn’t happy we use that as a way to speak with them, engage and make them happy. 

How did the funding help your business? 

We were so grateful to receive the loan at the time of year that we did, we were coming into Christmas which is our busiest and optimum time of year as a business. With the funding, we were able to buy ahead for corporate orders, improve our packaging and purchase a new space in a warehouse for all of our stock to go into that is a lot closer to our main site. That made us really efficient.  

 

How does your background relate to your business? 

I’m chair of the Food Board for Lincolnshire and have been for a number of years. In my previous life, I used to work with all the countries biggest supermarkets so I knew a lot of amazing food and drink suppliers and I saw a gap in the market for a modern way to gift food and drinks. 

Did you have any difficulties with starting your business? 

I look at difficulties as a lesson and there were a lot of difficult challenges when I first started the business. It was hard getting the right people to help me with online, learning the skills to create a website, especially one that will talk with Google and all the relevant channels that we need to market and grow our brand. We’ve had so many changes over the years. 


But equally, it’s made us stronger and it’s made me a much better business leader for IMP & MAKER because I’ve understood and learned where we’ve gone wrong and now we understand online really well and have a solid team around us. 

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Comments from our Advisor, and our Partner, British Business Bank: 

"Working with Sarah on the loan application for IMP & MAKER has been an inspiring experience. Her passion for quality and innovation in the food gifting industry is truly remarkable. Sarah's dedication not only to her business but also to sustainability and empowering women in the industry sets her apart. I'm confident that with her leadership and vision, IMP & MAKER will continue to thrive." 

Commented Nabeel Akhter, Investment Manager at First Enterprise 


David Tindall, Senior Manager at British Business Bank, commented: “We are pleased to be able to support IMP & MAKER in its growth journey. This demonstrates how the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II aims to support the region’s businesses by providing alternative financing options and helping companies scale up and grow.”   


First Enterprise is a responsible finance provider offering unsecured loans ranging from £500 to £250,000 to support both start-ups and established businesses across the UK. Since 2011, First Enterprise has lent over £77 million to 7,305 businesses.     


Learn more about how we can support your business. 



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