A Warrington-based business working to create cleaner public spaces, has secured a six-figure Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).
TiksPac, a business focussed on working with local authorities, businesses and people to create cleaner public spaces, has secured the six-figure Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) loan from specialist social impact lender GC Business Finance (GCBF).
The loan has supported the business in creating six new jobs and pushing forward with establishing two distinct brands intended on creating clean communities: Eco Green Communities and Eco Green Living.
Founded in Sweden in the nineties, TiksPac opened a UK office in 2015 under the management of James Cook. TiksPac UK began operating on a Swedish model which focused on selling advertising spaces on dog fouling clean-up stations. After four years in the business, James carved out the UK operations in a transaction in December 2019.
When COVID-19 hit, TiksPac pivoted their business approach with a focus now on building their social following by creating conversation around environmental issues. After identifying a gap in the UK market for 100 percent compostable dog bags through the company BioBag, the team sought to establish its own brands beyond TiksPac which would champion sustainable solutions for councils, business and individuals. However, with access to these customers limited by the pandemic, additional funding was required to proceed.
In addition to the creation of six jobs, the loan will also fund further growth of the business and support the launch of additional product lines. Eco Green Communities will be the business-to-business arm of the company, focussed on helping councils and businesses to have a positive impact on the environmental health of their communities. Eco Green Living will be the consumer arm, providing people with tips and products to live an eco-friendlier lifestyle.
James Cook, Commercial Director at TiksPac, said: “2020 really showed us just how important our public spaces are, and we are passionate about preserving these areas. The launch of Eco Green Communities and Eco Green Living will be a game-changer, helping businesses to have a positive impact on their communities and enabling individuals to make eco-friendly lifestyle choices.
“We are really grateful for the support we received from Kevin and the team at GC Business Finance. In a difficult time for so many, they saw the value of what we were doing and were able to find a solution for us efficiently and with a personal service.”
Kevin Glover, Senior Loan Manager at GC Business Finance, said: “The team at TiksPac evidently had a real drive to have a positive impact on communities across the UK, but the pandemic had brought along significant challenges. We were pleased to be able to provide them with the necessary funding to drive the business forward, and it’s a great example of what CBILS can do for the local area.”
