Craft company gets stamp of approval for NatWest loan
An East Anglian craft business is set to expand after securing funding from NatWest.
20 September 2013

BJ Crafts expands with help from NatWest business development
BJ Crafts, which has a shop in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, specialises in rubber stamping techniques for card making and scrapbooking. Offering a wide range of products, the company is also the exclusive supplier of Imagination Crafts in the Norfolk area and at specialist papercraft shows nationwide.
The business is run by husband and wife team Bob and Jean Hendon, who will use the money to invest in stock and attend bigger, specialist papercraft shows. The couple will also take on their first member of staff: the shop has had to close in the past when the Hendons were not available.
The changes are expected to result in their turnover increasing by 40% during the next year.
Sustainable funding
The Hendons have previously used personal credit cards when making business purchases. When they approached NatWest’s Maria Plumber for support with business development, she helped the couple to create a more sustainable funding solution for their business needs.
Bob, whose company has been with NatWest since its inception in 2007, said: “This funding will, most importantly, provide us with peace of mind - we’ll be more aware of our monthly outgoings and be able to plan for the future. Not only that but we’ll be able to go to bigger, more expensive shows such as the one at NEC and so grow our customer base.”
BJ Crafts sells a range of brands through its shop, online and at various craft shows around the UK. It also offers workshops and demonstrations at its shop throughout the year.
Plumber said NatWest was working hard to support local businesses such as BJ Crafts. She said: “It’s been lovely working with Bob and Jean. I’ve had the pleasure of attending one of their workshops and found the whole thing very enjoyable. They may have found themselves another dedicated customer!”
Posted In
Tagged
Latest news
RBS has today committed to helping 2.5 million people in the UK each year to improve their financial capability.
RBS has executed a £1.1bn securitisation deal with Macquarie Infrastructure Debt Investment Solutions (MIDIS), which will allow the bank to recycle capital and increase lending to the sustainable or renewable energy sectors.
RBS has today announced a new £1 billion in funding through NatWest to support female entrepreneurs in the UK to scale and grow – the largest intervention by a UK lender focused specifically on female-led businesses.
We’re now NatWest Group
Come and visit us for all our latest news, insights and everything NatWest Group.