Not just for Christmas: Gifts supplier set to expand with help of MEIF II loan

Heaven Sends supplies almost 3,000 retailers across the UK ranging from smaller independents to large chains and garden centres. It is known for its shabby chic home accessories, quirky gifts and seasonal decorations.

The company now plans to broaden its product range and cement itself as an all year-round décor supplier. The funding from the Midland Engine Investment Fund II, through fund manager Frontier Development Capital, will enable it to enhance its ecommerce site, digitise its warehouse and create five new jobs.

Based in Sutton Coldfield, Heaven Sends currently employs 48 staff in addition to seasonal workers and sources products worldwide including China and Taiwan. The business was established in 2003 by Fiona McAllister, the Creative Director, and is now led by Andy Jones, Managing Director.

Andy Jones, Managing Director, said: “As a nation, we are all spending more time at home – working from home and staying in more. The home environment has become more important and even when money is tight, people will still buy smaller items that brighten up their space. Home décor is at the heart of our business and there is an opportunity for us to expand our year-round offering and further digitise our business. The funding will help us achieve this.”

Marie Kelly of Frontier Development Capital added: “Fiona and Andy have built a thriving business by offering attractive products, keen prices and a fantastic service for retailers. After 25 years, it is now entering a new phase in its development and we are pleased to support them on the journey.”

Chasz Coulsting of Jerroms Corporate Finance in Solihull provided fundraising advice to Heaven Sends.

The £400m Midlands Engine Investment Fund II covers the entire Midlands region and provides equity investment up to £5m and debt finance from £25k to £2m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.

The purpose of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the Midlands. The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for smaller businesses in the Midlands, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.