Cornish chocolate company secures Bounce Bank loan to develop ecommerce channel
Josh’s Chocolate launched in August 2019, producing premium quality chocolate, close to the coast in Cornwall. The brand celebrates the simple life pleasures enjoyed by the coast and beautiful countryside. Before the pandemic, Josh’s bars and buttons were available at tourist attractions and independent food stores across Cornwall. Parker Confectionery Ltd is the business behind Josh’s Chocolate.
With a promising start to the business in 2019, owner Josh Parker was looking forward to a busy Easter and summer season. However, 2020 had different plans and the national lockdown and growing extent of the Covid-19 pandemic had a severe impact on sales. With support from Santander UK, a Bounce Back Loan backed by the government was put in place to help the business with its working capital and to diversify online.
The Bounce Back Loan has allowed the business, which employs one full time member of staff and 10 casual employees, to continue with the planned growth trajectory. Josh launched his website in May 2020 and is now able to drive volume through the site to maximise sales and profit in the build up to Christmas. With turnover increasing month on month, the option to buy Josh’s Chocolate online is proving popular with chocolate lovers.
Josh Parker, founder and director of Josh’s Chocolate, said: “We were delighted to secure a Bounce Back Loan – not only has it been instrumental in helping to keep the business going, it meant we could help keep our customers smiling with chocolate deliveries. Despite everything, we’ve seen growth this year and we’re optimistic about the future.”
David Rogers, business banking manager for Santander UK, commented: “It has been a pleasure to support Josh’s Chocolate through what has been an intensely challenging period for this young business. The business quickly adapted and has been able to maximise sales through its digital channels, reaching even more chocolate fans in the process.”
