Blue Badge Company has officially opened its new Bristol base – ushering in a new era for the designer and manufacturer of a range of stylish living aids.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by Dragons’ Den veteran Rob Law MBE, Bristol-based founder and CEO of the firm behind the highly successful children’s ride-on suitcase Trunki.
Employees, friends, family and local business owners attended the event and enjoyed drinks and nibbles in the sun.
As reported last week by Bristol Business News, Blue Badge Company decided to relocate from its original base in Montpelier to the 1,200 sq ft facility at St Gabriel’s Business Park, Easton, to give it room to expand, take on more staff and widen its product range.
The firm was set up nearly five years ago by entrepreneur Ellen Green to create colourful display wallets that would inject some fun style into the previously dull and clinical disability market.
Ellen is extremely passionate about inclusive employment and equal opportunities and Blue Badge Company provides specialist employment and training for people with learning disabilities, mental health issues, physical disabilities and long-term health issues.
Rob Law said: “I was delighted to be asked to open this fantastic new facility for Blue Badge Company, which is not only proudly manufacturing in Bristol, but providing employment opportunities to those who struggle to find work due to their personal circumstances and wish Ellen and company all the best in their next chapter of growth.”
Ellen, who has also appeared on Dragons’ Den – she walked away empty-handed after rejecting investment offers from three dragons to invest – said: “It was such an honour to have Rob officially open our new premises.
“I very much admire and respect his approach to leadership and innovative thinking and I aspire to follow in his footsteps as a pioneering Bristol-based entrepreneur. We are both Dragons’ Den alumni and committed to British manufacturing so it’s very humbling to have Rob involved with the latest chapter in the story of Blue Badge Company.”
Ellen’s appearance on Dragons’ Den raised awareness of the business and triggered a boom in sales.
The firm is now selling through large retailers such as Argos, Boots and Lloyds.
Ellen added: “I believe a company is only as strong as the team behind it. Providing work for people who find it more difficult to access employment really boosts personal confidence and team moral.
“One thing that has always driven me is the idea that business has a responsibility to be good for society and I’ve discovered that a rewarding, sustainable job can change someone’s life – I’ve seen it first hand and it is the part of my company that I am most proud of.”
Pictured: Rob Law and Ellen Green cut the ribbon to officially open Blue Badge Company’s new base
