Bank helps custom furniture workshop secure funding boost

Black Pear Bespoke, a Worcestershire-based custom furniture workshop, has secured funding from from First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans under the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme.

Offering hand-made, unique furniture inspired by sustainable materials, the business secured £9,000 in funding in order to kick start the promotion of their work and invest in creating prototypes.

Black Pear Bespoke commissions each piece individually to perfectly match the interior design for the customer and provides a collaborative approach to furniture design using materials such as oak, ash and walnut teamed with brass and steel.

Founder Nicholas Munn began his career journey after completing an Industrial Design degree at Loughborough University and then going on to gain hands-on experience working for some of the best interior design companies in the UK and abroad.

After more than 20 years in the industry, Nicholas is returning to his roots with quality and good design being at the heart of everything that he makes.

The funding from First Enterprise will be used to invest in new prototypes, design a new website and for advertising.

Nicholas Munn (pictured), founder of Black Pear Bespoke, said: “The Start Up Loan has really helped me kick start the promotion of my work to a wider audience.

“The team at First Enterprise has been great to work with throughout the application process, being thorough in their approach and offering some very useful advice along the way.”

First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans provides business loans ranging from £500 - £150,000, which are funded through several regional funds, for start-ups and SMEs that are unable to borrow from traditional high-street lenders.

It is a Business Support Partner of the Start Up Loans programme. The not-for-profit organisation reinvests any surplus into loan funds to further support economic growth and job creation in the local communities. 

Inderpal Singh, business advisor at First Enterprise, said: “Nicholas presented a proposition which exuded his craftsmanship, with emphasise on traditional and modern furniture making.

“The Start Up Loan will allow him to provide his customers with timeless pieces which they can enjoy for years to come.”

Richard Bearman, co-chief banking officer, British Business Bank said: “Being able to support enthusiastic business owners to follow their dreams and pursue careers in their chosen passion is what the Start Up Loans programme is all about.

“Black Pear Bespoke will now be able to continue their unique offering of creating custom-made furniture for people across Worcestershire and