Yorkshire school uniform supplier secures six-figure funding to create jobs

A Sheffield-based school uniform supplier has secured a six-figure investment from NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance to grow operations.

Barlow Park Ltd (BPL), trading as School Trends, has secured a £350k investment from the fund, which is managed by FW Capital and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF).

Established in 2018 by business partners Tim Thrall and Mark Raven, the firm specialises in the supply and distribution of school uniforms to schools and academies across the country.

With the new funding, BPL plans to create new jobs as it diversifies into custom workwear and leisurewear.

Tim Thrall, BPL’s managing director, explained: “FW Capital is a fantastic funding partner. The team were flexible, helpful and understood our business goals.

“BPL’s initial aims have been successfully achieved and the funding from FW Capital will now allow the business to take advantage of growth opportunities by developing as a provider of personalised products.

“We also plan to launch into complimentary new markets and products such as workwear and fashionwear.”

Keith Charlton, investment executive at FW Capital, added: “We are delighted to support BPL with their growth plans. BPL has a loyal customer base, a growing marketplace and fantastic diversification and growth opportunities.”