Peachy funding boost for Hull hamper company

A gifting business is scaling operations after securing funding to meet surging seasonal demand.

Peach Hampers, run by husband-and-wife team Brendan and Letitia Pallant, has received a £277,000 loan from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance to double its warehouse capacity.

They say the investment will fund a new mezzanine floor, conveyor belt and pallet wrapping machine, enabling the Hull-based company to “overcome constraints” and prepare up to 7500 extra hampers ahead of peak trading, equating to almost double their current rate.

Brendan said: “Hampers are a great way for companies to provide a thoughtful gift to staff or customers that requires minimal time and effort. 

“We spotted a gap in the market for a supplier that could offer branding free of charge. 

“Our business has gone from strength-to-strength, but we have been missing out on valuable revenue during the peak Christmas period. 

“The funding will enable us to overcome the constraints and move forward.”

Rebecca Pickering, Mercia Debt investment manager, added: “Peach Hampers is a small, family-run firm that punches well above its weight and competes with big players in the market. 

“The business has grown organically to this point. 

“2024 has been a transformational year, and it is now ready to take on external funding to push it to the next stage. 

“We are pleased to support Brendan and Letitia on their growth journey.”

Founded 12 years ago from Brendan’s spare bedroom, Peach Hampers, which enjoyed an increase in sales by around 20 per cent during the 2024 festive period, now serves major brands including Jaguar Land Rover, EE and ITV with custom-branded gifts featuring artisan products.

Andrew Bradley, of Humber Business Growth Hub, provided business and fundraising advice to Peach Hampers.

Operated by British Business Bank, the £660 million Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II covers the entire North of England and provides loans from £25,000 to £2 million, as well as equity investment of up to £5 million to small and medium-sized businesses.

Lizzy Upton, British Business Bank senior investment manager, added: “The UK gifting market is robust, and Peach Hampers are capitalising on the growth in this sector, using NPIF II funding to fuel its expansion and ultimately grow its capabilities.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →