Sarah Raven’s Kitchen & Garden (“Sarah Raven”) is seeking to raise £1.25 million through a bond offer on Triodos Bank’s crowdfunding platform (triodoscrowdfunding.co.uk) to support its plans for growth.
Sarah Raven is named after its founder, the established author, broadcaster and teacher. As well as providing an extensive range of seeds, seedlings, plants and bulbs, the company also offers gardening kits and home and lifestyle products. Most of the plants and bulbs it sells are trialled by Sarah in her garden at Perch Hill Farm in Sussex.
The company’s seedlings and most of its plants are grown at its Rookery Farm nursery in Lincolnshire, which was acquired in 2022 following the long-standing partnership as its principal plant grower and despatch centre. The bond offer will help to meet the remaining acquisition payment obligations, as well as supporting Sarah Raven’s plans for growth over the coming years.
Environmental responsibility is a big priority for Sarah Raven and its mission is to empower its customers to make informed choices and create beautiful gardens and planting schemes that are a haven for wildlife.
In April this year, Sarah Raven’s Kitchen & Garden achieved Planet Mark accreditation, which acknowledges its ongoing commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, and it has a clear aim to reduce, recycle and repurpose wherever possible. For example, at Rookery Farm, rainwater is used to water the plants, in glasshouses heated with biomass boilers and fuelled by local waste wood and cardboard, while everything in the garden at Perch Hill is grown peat-free.
With a minimum investment of £50, the bond has a term of five years, paying 7.5 per cent gross interest annually. The bond is eligible to be held in a Triodos Innovative Finance ISA (IFISA) that allows interest to be received tax-free. Like all ISAs, the Innovative Finance ISA is subject to eligibility criteria and tax treatment depends on individual circumstances ISA eligibility does not guarantee returns or protect consumers from losing their money.
Sarah Raven, founder and brand director, said: “Our mission is to inspire and guide everyone to discover their passion for gardening and get the real benefits of being outdoors in nature. Our vision is to bring beauty, colour and joy to every garden in a way that encourages nature to flourish and the support offered by the raise will not only allow us to fulfil the purchase of Rookery Farm but help us grow the business further over the coming years.”
Whitni Thomas, head of corporate finance at Triodos Bank UK, added: “Sarah Raven helps people to create thriving natural environments in whatever outdoor space they might have and to enjoy the benefits that come from spending time in nature – while prioritising environmental responsibility across its business. We know many people share this passion for caring for the natural environment and for making sustainable choices when purchasing for their garden and home.
“We’re pleased to be able to work in partnership with the company and allow investors the opportunity to support such a well-loved brand.”
Sarah Raven has won multiple Direct Commerce Awards over the years and is a brand much loved by its primarily mature female customers.
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