Nottingham-based business Alpkit designs, manufactures and sells outdoor gear and equipment.
The firm has significantly increased turnover and has grown staff numbers from 12 to 63 people after working with Nottingham-based “responsible finance” provider, Enterprise Loans East Midlands (First Enterprise). Since the loan, which supported a major investment in IT systems, Alpkit has scaled up its manufacturing and opened its own retail stores.
Now every week the business’ 63 employees make more than 1500 products for climbers, hikers and bikers, earning a reputation for quality and affordability. And Alpkit plans further shop openings in 2018 alongside the creation of 15 more jobs.
The firm was founded in 2004 as an online-only retailer when four friends with a shared passion for exploring the Alps started making gear for themselves and for people they knew, before progressing to selling directly to outdoor enthusiasts online.
Alpkit’s David Hanney said “It is wonderful reflect on just how much we have grown since working with First Enterprise. The funding helped us at a time that high street banks weren’t able to do so and I hope that our nomination helps raise the profile of First Enterprise as a valuable source of finance for ambitious companies.”
