Bare Bar secures funding for growth

Clitheroe-based Bare Bar, which manufactures natural personal care products aimed at men, has secured £15,000 funding to build on its early successes.

The company was founded in February 2021 to produce soaps made of natural ingredients for the growing male grooming market.

In May 2021 Hyndburn Enterprise Trust, a delivery partner of the British Business Bank, granted a £4,000 start-up loan which helped the business to buy the essential equipment and stock required to set up operations at a commercial level.

As a result of the success of its core product offering, Bare Bar expanded with the launch of a range of natural shampoo bars.

After achieving triple-digit growth in its second year of trading Hyndburn Enterprise Trust has now granted a further £15,000 of funding to be used to scale its website in order to improve the customer experience.

The business will also be further extending its product range, 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.

"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."