An East Lancs-based producer of natural personal care products has received £15,000 of additional funding after a triple-digit growth in only their second year of operation.

Founded in February 2021, Bare Bar, based in Clitheroe, was established to produce natural soaps, proving an alternative to mass-produced products, and caters to the growing male grooming market.

In order to support the business in its early stages, in May 2021 Bare Bar received a £4,000 start-up loan through the Hyndburn Enterprise Trust, a delivery partner of the British Business Bank, which helped them to buy essential equipment and stock to set up operations at a commercial level.

Lancashire Telegraph: Bare Bar produce their own range of natural soapBare Bar produce their own range of natural soap (Image: Bare Bar)

Their rapid growth has seen the business begin to expand on its offerings and they have recently launched a range of natural shampoo bars.

With plans to scale up further and their strong growth expected to continue in 2023, Bare Bar has received an additional £15,000 from the Hyndburn Enterprise Trust, which will predominantly be used to scale the website, improving the user experience for customers.

It will also be investing in its product offering, with developments currently underway on a range of natural deodorants.

Christian Winstanley, founder of Bare Bar, said: "The growth we’ve already experienced at Bare Bar over the last two years has been exceptional, and our trajectory remains just as strong. Our success is undoubtedly due, in part, to the Start Up Loan and support received through the Hyndburn Enterprise Trust and the British Business Bank. It provided us with the vital funds needed to help scale our business to a commercial level.

Lancashire Telegraph: The business has received a funding boost in just their second year of operationThe business has received a funding boost in just their second year of operation (Image: Bare Bar)

"With a new round of funding, we’ll be able to continue this close relationship with the team at Hyndburn Enterprise Trust, to help scale Bare Bar further.”

Joanne Fulthorpe, business advisor at Hyndburn Enterprise Trust, said: “The Start Up Loans Scheme provides small businesses with the crucial support they need to unlock the next phase of their growth plans.

“It’s been great to support a local business like Bare Bar, and working closely with Christian who’s entrepreneurial drive has helped to scale the business at such a rapid rate. We look forward to continuing this relationship and seeing Bare Bar continue to expand.”

Sophie Dale Black at the British Business Bank said “Bare Bar is a fantastic example of the entrepreneurial skill and talent within the North of England, as well as the importance of providing support to help entrepreneurs realise their full potential. It is a prime example of how a Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank can help turn startup ideas into reality.”