Luxury food and drink gift company secures £200,000 funding for growth

IMP & MAKER, a luxury food and drink gift company, has secured £200,000 in funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II (MEIF II) and Regional Growth Fund (RF Fund) with support from FundingRound Commercial Finance Specialists and  First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans, to enhance its operations and sustain its growth.

Specialising in high-quality, personalised food gifts, IMP & MAKER sets itself apart by redefining the food gifting experience through meticulously crafted products and a premium customer service approach. The brand has earned recognition from major publications and surpassed many industry competitors, establishing a strong presence in the market.

Founder Sarah Louise Fairburn, with over 20 years of experience in food retail and production, launched IMP & MAKER in 2020 to bring innovation and quality to the gifting industry.

Sarah’s expertise and commitment to sustainability and social impact are central to the brand’s values. Beyond her business, she is an active advocate for sustainability and women’s empowerment, serving on the Greater Lincolnshire Food Board and UK Food Valley.

The funding will be allocated toward stock, marketing, and staff costs, with a primary focus on enhancing operational efficiency and driving long-term growth.

Sarah Louise Fairburn, Founder of IMP & MAKER, comments: “It was clear that my business needed additional finance to achieve the ambitious seasonal plans we had as Christmas approached. Whilst I had started discussions with banks, I wasn’t getting the result we needed.

FundingRound played a pivotal role in positioning our requirements, introducing us to First Enterprise and securing the funds which will support our success. Lenders like First Enterprise are much needed to support the backbone of UK businesses! And we will always be working with FundingRound moving forward as they are the best at understanding entrepreneurs.”  

Julia Wilkinson, Director, FundingRound Ltd comments: “The current market requires lenders who will support expanding SMEs based on forecast-led growth, particularly bearing in mind the environment they’ve operated in over the past few years. CDFIs like First Enterprise play a crucial role in supporting businesses like IMP & MAKER, and we are pleased  to have First Enterprise fund them and other clients.”

Nabeel Akhter, Investment Manager at First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans, comments: “Working with Sarah on the loan application for IMP & MAKER has been an inspiring experience. Her passion for quality and innovation in the food gifting industry is truly remarkable. Sarah’s dedication not only to her business but also to sustainability and empowering women in the industry sets her apart. I’m confident that with her leadership and vision, IMP & MAKER will continue to thrive.”

David Tindall, Senior Manager at British Business Bank, commented: “We are pleased to be able to support IMP & MAKER in its growth journey. This demonstrates how the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II aims to support the region’s businesses by providing alternative financing options and helping companies scale up and grow.”