West Yorkshire cosmetics supplier set for new makeover with £400k investment

A West Yorkshire-based supplier of cosmetics is set for a significant expansion after securing a £400k investment.

Retra Holdings Limited, which supplies products to some of the UK and Europe’s largest retailers, secured the funding from the Enterprise Ventures SME Loans Fund.

The company, based in Silsden, will use the investment to develop its customer base, whilst continuing to expand into markets outside of Europe.

Retra Holdings is a tertiary branded cosmetics supplier that manufactures year-round and seasonal gift cosmetics, supplying a range of blue-chip customers, both in the UK and mainland Europe.

Launched in June 2015, the Enterprise Ventures SME Loans Fund provides loan capital to established and growing SMEs nationally, but with a particular focus on the North West, Yorkshire and Humberside.

At launch, the fund received £40m of investment from Greater Manchester Pension Fund and Santander UK plc.

Kai Arter, managing director of Retra Holdings, said: “We are pleased that Enterprise Ventures shares our strategy for the next stage in the development of the business.

“We have seen significant growth, particularly in the last two years, and this is set to continue. By targeting new geographical markets outside of Europe and developing our key brands globally, we plan to grow the business even further.”

Jonathan Craig, investment manager at Enterprise Ventures, commented: “It has been wonderful to see Retra build out its operations, not only in the UK, but also across Europe, with some of the largest retailers as its customers.

“Now, as the company sets its sights on new markets outside of Europe, we feel confident that it will be able to effectively expand into additional, fast growing markets.”

Armstrong Watson in Leeds introduced Enterprise Ventures to Retra Holdings, and acted as Lead Adviser to the company.

Phil Bailey of Armstrong Watson said: “We have acted for Kai and Linda Arter for over 10 years since they first acquired Badgequo. It is a pleasure to work with such a well-managed and innovative company and to see it achieve success in international markets.”

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