Cleaning Hygiene Today Cleaning Hygiene Magazine
A Huddersfield-based manufacturing company is setting its sights on significant growth and expansion after calling on Finance For Enterprise to scale production of an innovative range of microbiological cleaning products, following the successful acquisition of one of its competitors.
Biobax produces a diverse range of environmentally friendly products including sustainably sourced paper straws, hand sanitisers and cutting-edge cleaning products, all of which are manufactured in-house from its Skelmanthorpe Technology Park headquarters.
Having successfully pioneered its own range of microbiological cleaning products, which are sold to the education, care and hospitality sectors, company founders Dominic Barnes and Kate Pawson began exploring ways of scaling the business. They spotted an opportunity to acquire Cheshire-based Aqua Air, which had devoted the past 20 years to bringing innovative cleaning products to the market.
Feeling there was a clear synergy between the work being delivered by Aqua Air and Biobax and with the company founder of Aqua Air, Barry Bladon, looking to find the right partner to take Aqua Air to the next level, Barnes and Pawson felt the acquisition could help Biobax to enter into new markets, whilst at the same time increasing profitability within Aqua Air’s product range by bringing manufacturing in-house.
However, the entrepreneurial duo also knew there was a major potential barrier: raising the vital funds needed. They discussed their ideas with Hentons Corporate Finance, who introduced Biobax to Finance For Enterprise.
Working with experienced business lending manager Jeremy Meadowcroft, Biobax successfully secured a £150,000 loan from Finance For Enterprise, delivered through the Recovery Loan Scheme.
With funding in place, Biobax was able to complete the acquisition, creating four new jobs in the business, and is now setting its sights on increasing turnover to £2 million within the next three years. However, with both Biobax and Aqua Air enjoying a long history of innovation, Barnes and Pawson are also exploring new applications for its microbiological cleaning technology.
Dominic Barnes, Managing Director, Biobax, said: “Microbiological cleaners harness friendly bacteria to break down organic matter quickly and efficiently. They offer a safe alternative to traditional cleaning products that can be used in high-risk environments such as schools and care homes. Barry has devoted much of his life to developing innovative cleaning solutions and bringing them to market. It’s an ethos we share.
“Acquiring Aqua Air is a golden opportunity for Biobax, one which will present new opportunities for both businesses, as well as safeguarding the manufacture of its products in the UK. The funds we received from Finance For Enterprise made this possible and as a result, we’re able to concentrate on growing the business further in the future.”
Finance For Enterprise provides a range of tailored loans up to £250,000, aimed at supporting SMEs throughout Yorkshire and the North Midlands. The company acts as fund manager for the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund and is an accredited delivery partner for the Recovery Loan Scheme and Start Up Loans UK.
