Bristol-based organic herbal tea, skincare and healthcare producer Pukka Herbs has been named as South West and Wales’ most innovative and forward-thinking company.
The firm took the title in HSBC Global Connections initiative, beating six regional finalists to win up to £6m in lendin
g, plus a financial reward of up to £120,000 (2% of its borrowing paid back).
It will now compete in the national Global Connections Final against nine other companies from around the UK in June. The overall winner of Global Connections will receive a financial reward of up to £240,000.
Pukka Herbs creates organic herbal teas, skincare and healthcare, including food supplements and herbal remedies. As managing director and co-founder, Tim Westwell has developed and managed the development of the business and last year recruited a new senior management team to create a platform for growth.
The company entered the German market last year with significant results and clocked up growth of 225% in North America and 370% in Australia (370%).
Significant new product development plans for its teas and healthcare products will provide growth for existing markets, while it also plans to enter the Chinese and Indian markets.
Mr Westwell accepted the award from ITV News presenter Katie Derham on behalf of the company at a dinner in the Celtic Manor hotel, Newport, after a day of presenting to the Global Connections’ judges.
More than 1,500 companies entered the Global Connections initiative.
HSBC South West and Wales commercial director Gary Burton said: “This was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the best, most entrepreneurial and forward-thinking business leaders in the region.
“Pukka Herbs was chosen for their conviction in what they are doing, their innovation and the clarity of vision they have for taking their businesses forward.”
Mr West well added: “We feel really privileged to be doing what we’re doing and to win this award in light of such tough competition makes it even better. We’re a self-funded business and a prize like this allows us to do some of the things we really want to, like developing new products and moving into new markets, a lot sooner.”
