A Powys company backed last year by the county council with a growth grant, has now picked up some extra investors on BBC ONE’s Dragons’ Den.
Stashed Products, makers of space-saving bike storage systems, was successful in securing £25,000 from the council towards the cost of making improvements at its base in Abermule and for staff training, with the aim of creating three full-time jobs in 2024. Now, owner Elliot Tanner has got the offer of investment from a Dragon too.
Elliot said: “Stepping into the Den was one of the most intense experiences of my life. My mind went blank just as I stepped through the lift doors, and I could barely remember my own name. When I got into my stride though, I started to really enjoy the whole experience.
“The support I’ve had from Powys County Council has been integral to our success and getting offers of investment from four Dragons feels like a real endorsement of everything we do at Stashed Products.”
Stashed Products was one of 71 companies that received business growth grants from Powys County Council worth just under £1 million last year.
It put the £25,000 it received towards installing mezzanine flooring, workstations, and a marketing and retail suite and for stacking and picking equipment.
Elliot said when applying for the grant: “In under three years, we have developed SpaceRail – market-leading bike storage systems and a range of accessories. We have expanded our factory in Wales and our products are used to create dream bike spaces all over the world. SpaceRail is stylish, innovative and robust and can be found in industry settings from busy workshops to recognised bike brands.”
Councillor David Selby, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys has been impressed by the success achieved by Stashed Products in such a short time.
He said: “It is pleasing to see that a Powys business that has been supported by the council with a growth grant and by Welsh Government with research, development and innovation funding has gone on to be backed by highly respected investors.”
Watch the episode of the TV show on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00284yj
