Yorkshire pet food business set to expand with the help of six-figure loan

A Yorkshire pet ‘health food’ business is set to expand with a £120k loan.

Pet Supplies Warehouse, which is based in Barnsley, has taken a CBILS-backed loan from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

Pet Supplies Warehouse suffered a drop in sales during the first lockdown in March as customers were unable to purchase products from its Barnsley warehouse.

However, it has since seen a rise in online sales. The CBILS loan has also allowed the company to add a new member of staff to its 11-strong team.

Neil Mason, CEO of Pet Supplies Warehouse, said: “The pandemic has made people rethink their priorities and focus on the things that really matter. They are spending more time with family and pets and willing to spend more money on them.”

He continued: “This fits with our ethos as we supply only premium products, but we recognised we needed to expand our range and offer more quality non-food products. The funding will allow us to introduce new lines and to increase stock levels to ensure continuity of supply.”

Andy Tyas of Mercia, said: “Neil has built up this business from a start-up and it was growing strongly before the first lockdown. However, online sales have continued and with customers now preferring online shopping, it is important for the business to stock a wider range of products and in greater volumes.”

He continued: “The funding will help it to overcome the initial impact of Covid-19 and provide increased working capital to allow it to adapt and grow.”