Entrepreneur toasts angel’s investment

Continental Brands, set up by Simon Jackson, 27, is on course to turn over £1.2m in its first year of trading after a five-figure funding package helped the businessman take his idea to market. Kevin Wheelock invested in the import and distribution firm in January, through Yorkshire Association of Business Angels.

Mr Jackson said: “Sales were good but the costs of importing and warehousing meant we needed some extra cash flow finance to finalise a big new customer, but we had no luck at all from lenders.

“We’d already ploughed all our savings into the business, and sold off assets to keep us going through a tough 2010. It was so frustrating; we had strong orders and enquiries from potential customers, so everything hinged on raising some money.”

Continental, based in Wortley, Leeds, also distributers beers to domestic wholesalers and retailers and Mr Jackson wants to sell to bars and restaurants as well. He has imported beers from Greece, Portugal, Italy and the Far East after being set up in August last year.

Mr Wheelock, who has the option to convert his loan to equity later this year, said: “My background’s in manufacturing, so this isn’t the usual type of business I would consider investing in. But I was impressed by Simon’s attitude, skills and entrepreneurial spark. He’s a real go-getter, who’s spotted and seized a great opportunity in a tough industry. He’s done a huge amount of legwork so far.”