Yorkshire-based Supplies for Candles creates 35 jobs as sales surge

Established in 2016, Supplies for Candles is an online supplier of candle and soap making ingredients to a growing craft industry.

The acquisition of the Devon-based Soap Kitchen in April, a £3.5 million supplier of cosmetic soap ingredients, has established the company as one of the market leaders in the distribution of both candle and soap making supplies in the UK and Europe.

Founder and managing director Nicky Story said the firm had doubled the head count at its Mexborough headquarters over recent months.

There have also been a number of internal promotions within the business, and a £150,000 investment in a new mezzanine, equipment and offices to create additional space and improve productivity.

Mr Story added: “An increase in internet activity and working from home resulted in an increase of sales for us. By growing our marketing team and efforts, we have thrived during these uncertain times. In order to keep our staff safe, we have moved from eight-hour days to two shift 16 hour days to accommodate the extra business and team members and to make sure we could create a safe, socially distanced working environment for everyone."

Mr Story said the the recent rapid growth could be due to people looking for home comforts and new hobbies to help lift their spirits during lockdown, and also people setting up candle businesses from home during economic uncertainty.

He added: “Our best-selling products are always our fragrance oils, but our candle making kits have also been selling very well because people have been at home looking for something to do.”

He said the business is continuing to look ahead to further growth, and plans to introduce a custom glass range in partnership with a local printing company, which will enable customers to produce branded or personalised candles.

“It’s an exciting time for the business,” he said. “Our candle making products are in high demand and The Soap Kitchen acquisition has opened up new revenue streams, which we will continue to develop.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Supplies for Candles has given away £100,000-worth of candle making kits and business start-up support to people who have been financially affected by the pandemic, as well as giving free soap to local residents to help combat local shortages.

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