PRESS RELEASE:
Robinvalley Limited, an eco-conscious jewellery business has received a game-changing £50,000 investment from NPIF – River & GC Microfinance, which River Capital manages in partnership with GC Business Finance (GCBF) as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF). The funding fuels the sustainable brand’s rapid expansion as demand for its nature-inspired designs soars.
Robin Valley is on a mission to revolutionise jewellery with its sleek wood creations, including earrings, keychains, and accessories from natural wood materials and incorporating hand-painted motifs like flowers and animals. Its earth-friendly products have won over prestigious outlets across the UK, including National Trust Scotland, WWF-UK, Merlin Entertainments, museums, galleries, zoos and now boasts 1200 unique designs.
The investment has allowed Robin Valley to power up production to meet increasing demand through the brand’s prominent attendance at key trade shows, increased marketing, and the creation of up to five new jobs.
As a champion for small businesses, River Capital is dedicated to propelling Liverpool entrepreneurs to new heights and the strategic funding from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund empowers innovators like Robin Valley to expand, create jobs and develop economic prosperity.
Sue Chambers, Investment Manager at River Capital, said: “We are thrilled to fuel the significant rise of Robin Valley. This trail-blazing company embodies Liverpool’s flourishing spirit of creativity and innovation. Its sustainable ethos certainly sets it apart from other jewellers and our loan will help take Robin Valley to the next level as it cements itself as a beloved and renowned brand.”
Wanchong Chen, Robin Valley’s Managing Director, said: “We are ecstatic that River Capital believes in our mission to revolutionise jewellery sustainably. Their game-changing loan arrives at an ideal moment, allowing us to meet demand and spread our message and products to a global market.”
Debbie Sorby, Senior Manager, British Business Bank said: “NPIF investment is crucial to support and enable enterprising companies like Robin Valley to scale up their ventures. With ambitious entrepreneurs like Wanchong Chen creating unique products and exciting new jobs opportunities within the local economy, we are one step closer to powering future economic growth across the region as a whole.”
The current NPIF investment phase has now completed with the British Business Bank launching the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II in March 2024.
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.