Staffordshire vending machine services company secures £30,000 funding for new equipment
Next Level Vending Ltd, a family-owned vending machine services company, has secured over £30,000 of Start Up Loans with support from First Enterprise. The funding will allow the business to invest in new equipment.
With a focus on delivering and installing vending machines in unusual and tricky office spaces across the UK, Next Level Vending takes on challenges many of its competitors are reluctant to accept – including safely moving heavy machines up stairs and through tight spaces.
The business was co-founded by father and son team Philip and Paul Bailey, after they realised there was a need for a specialised vending machine courier service in the UK – many companies avoid jobs taking machines up and down stairs due to health and safety risks involved.
The family has been in the vending machine industry since 2007, with Paul having a further 25 years of experience in fast-paced consumer goods logistics as a senior manager.
The funding from First Enterprise was used to purchase a Renault Master low loader van with their company signage to advertise their business while travelling and a new Zonzini Domino stair climber. These are essential for the business to be able to safely and efficiently transport vending machines across the UK.
Philip and Paul Bailey, co-founders of Next Level Vending Ltd, commented: “As new business owners, we’ve faced challenges – with securing finance and writing business plans being just the start of the journey. The loan has really helped get our business off the ground and purchase the equipment necessary to be able to serve our customers to the best of our ability.
“Luckily, we found First Enterprise, and they were brilliant from start to finish. They helped us with the business plan and kept us up to date with the loan application.”
Lottie Naylor, investment manager at First Enterprise, comments: “Paul and Philip have been brilliant throughout their loan application. I can see their business venture going far in providing office and other spaces around the UK with vending machines in a safe and reliable manner. I wish them both the best of luck with their business, and I’m excited to see them continue to grow.”