Member Article

Business lender cements plans for concrete interior specialists

A Leeds couple who specialise in manufacturing and installing concrete interiors are expanding their business thanks to a £20k loan from the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF).

Relentless Interiors, based in Rawdon, was the brainchild of Sally Hotchin and Richard Butt who were inspired to set up a business producing concrete furniture and installing microcement floors and walls after discovering it for their own home three years ago.

The duo’s microcement creates a seamless concrete finish which is waterproof, stain resistant and non-slip, making it ideal for flooring, walls, stairs and outdoor spaces. After seeing a huge rise in demand for more products and services, they approached BEF for funding to help grow their offering.

Sally Hotchin, commercial director, explained: “It’s really exciting for us to be introducing a new material to the interior design mix, concrete is a brilliantly tactile and versatile material which creates a stunning, contemporary and very practical surface for kitchens, bathrooms and living areas of the home.

“Last year’s turnover was around £30k and we’re anticipating this will rise to £100k by the end of this year with demand especially high for microcement products; it is fast becoming a favourite with interior designers and architects. Securing a loan from BEF means we can now invest in more machinery and stock, such as glass fibre, to fulfil our growing order book and set up a niche training arm for installers who are fitting our products into homes.”

Richard Butt, operations director, added: “We’ve seen the trend for concrete in homes soar over the past year, it’s definitely the next big thing in interiors with microcement trending globally. Customers are so surprised at the versatility of concrete; for example it can be applied directly in shower areas making it watertight. The BEF loan has enabled us to form strong trade relationships with kitchen companies, architects and interior designers who are all at the forefront of the new trends.”

The Business Enterprise Fund is a social enterprise specialising in providing funding and advice to businesses across Yorkshire and the North East.

Rupert Shires, investment manager at BEF which has an office on St Paul’s Street in Leeds, said: “The entrepreneurial spirit within this organisation is inspiring. Sally and Richard have identified a growing trend within the market and we’re thrilled to see how our loan has allowed them to diversify into various business ventures. With clear passion and enthusiasm – Relentless Interiors have an exciting future ahead!”

Relentless Interiors is based in Rawdon and offers bespoke design services, as well as having showroom space at Arlington Interiors in Farsley.

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