Worcester-based craftsman uses £9,000 Start Up Loan to promote bespoke furniture workshop
Updated: Nov 2
Black Pear Bespoke is a unique furniture design workshop based in Worcester, offering an expanding collection of hand-crafted pieces, from coffee tables and cabinets to desks and candle holders.
Founder Nick Munn has an Industrial Design degree from Loughborough University, and more than 20 years of hands-on experience working for interior design companies worldwide.
After opening his own workshop, Nick found reaching the right audience to be difficult, preventing him from being able to share Black Pear Bespoke’s craftsmanship with potential customers.
A Start Up Loan through First Enterprise allowed Nick to invest in advertising and effectively communicate with his audience.
A craft furniture business with a personal touch
The name Black Pear Bespoke is inspired by Worcester’s coat of arms, as a homage to Nick’s long-standing place of residence.
When Nick graduated university, he went on to work for some of the best interior design companies in the UK and abroad.
But after over two decades of working on projects across the world, such as luxury spas and ski chalets, he decided to return to his roots and open his own workshop in the city he has lived in for 18 years.
The goal was to inspire customers by crafting furniture which encompasses beauty, quality, and sustainable materials.
Made with high-quality materials, such as oak, ash, and walnut, paired with brass and steel, each piece is carefully curated and lovingly crafted.
Nick also undertakes commissions for bespoke pieces and even takes on larger projects such as complete hand-crafted kitchens.
A particular specialty of Black Pear Bespoke is their attractive brass inlays, which can be etched onto furniture at the request of the customer. These etchings often include maps of significant places or family names, to give items that extra special touch.
While Nick had created a unique offering, which allowed customers to collaborate on furniture design and personalise their items — he ran into a hurdle.
Nick had the furniture. He just needed to find the right customers. An investment in marketing and promotion was necessary, but he didn't have the funds readily available.
A £9,000 Start Up Loan enabled Nick to market Black Pear Bespoke to a larger audience
With help from First Enterprise, Nick was able to secure a £9,000 of funding through the British Business Banks Start Up Loan scheme.
The money was used to:
Collaborate with a local graphic designer
Create a new logo and website
Invest in the creation of prototypes.
These investments have allowed Nick to effectively communicate the businesses’ offerings and give Black Bear Bespoke’s customers a clear idea of his quality craftsmanship.
Nick said of the £9,000 Start Up Loan through First Enterprise: “It has really helped me kickstart the promotion of my work to a wider audience.
“The team at First Enterprise has been great to work with throughout the application process, being thorough in their approach and offering some very useful advice along the way.”
Inderpal Singh, Nick’s Business Advisor at the time, added: “Nicholas presented a proposition which exuded his craftsmanship, with emphasis on traditional and modern furniture making. The Start Up Loan will allow him to provide his customers with timeless pieces which they can enjoy for years to come.”
Do you need a helping hand to get your business off the ground? Get in touch with our team to discuss your options
Nick had a talent for craftsmanship and a wealth of experience, but he needed help spreading the word about his business. That’s where funding came in and allowed him to invest in growing his customer base.
If you’ve just started a business and feel like a funding boost could help you out, then a Start Up Loan might be an option for you.
The process is simple: click on the button above to visit our loan page. Alternatively, you can complete our enquiry form or call 0345 602 7355 to discuss your business with an advisor.
