uGlow

Self-tanning brand, uGlow, has put plans in place to bring its currently outsourced manufacturing in Manchester back to the Tees Valley, helping to support the local economy, facilitate product development and strengthen the protection of the brand and its product innovations.

This is after Founder, Louise Cooper, received support from Tees Valley Securing Investment, led by Innovation SuperNetwork, powered by UMi. We spoke to Louise about her experience.

Challenges

The main challenge I was facing in my business was securing investment for growth. The investment world can feel like a battlefield, with terms like ‘sharks’, ‘dragons,’ and ‘business angels’ often sounding more intimidating than helpful. As a business owner in the early stages, understanding what these mean for your company can feel like navigating a minefield. However, when you realise that securing investment is the key to scaling your business to its full potential, you have no choice but to push forward.

Looking for Support

I discovered Tees Valley Securing Investment after being signposted to Tees Valley Combined Authority through RTC North and was introduced to Gary Lynch who mentored me through the programme. To address my challenges, Gary helped me to refine my growth strategy and align my plans with investor expectations, connect me with potential investors and funding options, and create a compelling pitch to showcase the value and potential of uGlow to investors.

Through valuable insights into the investment process, I was able to navigate challenges and create a clear and actionable growth strategy for my business. Gary’s guidance was instrumental in identifying the right type of investment for each stage of growth. Beyond strategy, the introductions he has facilitated have opened up new opportunities and connections that I wouldn’t have had access to otherwise.

Impact

Since taking part in Tees Valley Securing Investment, several areas of expertise have been particularly helpful to me. The programme has allowed me to create realistic financial projections which has helped build credibility with investors. I’m also in a position where I can now bring my outsourced manufacturing in Manchester back to the Tees Valley which is a significant step in elevating uGlow to the next level of growth.

“Being introduced to the programme and receiving the guidance and support it offers has been transformative. In the early years of uGlow, I found myself in unsuitable investment situations that could have had catastrophic consequences for the business. Gary’s ongoing support has been instrumental in helping me navigate this journey with confidence and I truly believe that this ongoing mentorship will enable uGlow to reach its full potential.”

If you are a socially trading enterprise operating in Tees Valley and would like some support from an investment adviser to help grow your business, get in touch with us today here.

About Tees Valley Securing Investment

Tees Valley Securing Investment addresses long-standing barriers facing the region’s businesses in accessing money by connecting enterprises with investors and funds. The project has received £880,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Tees Valley Combined Authority’s UKSPF programme of support.

Open to businesses and socially trading enterprises operating across the Tees Valley Combined Authority area, the programme is led by innovation finance specialists and business support providers Innovation SuperNetwork, in partnership with Smarta, CPI Enterprises, and Edge Innovation.