Hamper firm hails 'game-changing' £500,000 boost

A luxury food and drink hamper firm says it is “set for growth” after securing £500,000 investment.

IMP & MAKER has been backed by an unnamed angel investor.

Founder Sarah Louise Fairburn said the “game-changing” boost puts the Lincolnshire-based company on track to make its first profit and leaves it primed to “take full advantage” of the Christmas and New Year period.

She added the investment – which has seen its backer take a minority stake – values the business at £2 million, and will allow it to repay £200,000 Midlands Engine Investment Fund II and Regional Growth Fund support.

Based in Coningsby, near Lincoln, IMP & MAKER’s e-commerce portfolio includes food and drink gift hampers, champagne and cheese boards, with the firm counting relationships with retailers including Costco and Not On The High Street.

Sarah Louise said: “This is real validation of what we’re building.

“The investor was impressed by the strength of our brand, the quality of our products and the breadth and range of our customer base.

“We’re debt-free and set for growth.

“Most start-ups have difficulty obtaining investment, especially in the e-commerce space.

“But we’ve now got the right infrastructure and team in place to take IMP & MAKER to the next level, and we’ve significantly increased our margins and reduced our customer acquisition costs.”

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