A popular South Wales school uniform supplier has reported a successful trading period this year, despite the uncertainty of school closures during the pandemic, thanks to a seven-figure funding package from HSBC UK.
YC Sports, which supplies school uniforms to 40,000 school children across South Wales, used the HSBC UK funding to purchase stock to ensure there were enough uniforms for the 90 schools it supports.
The seasonal business also used the funding to guarantee its three stores in Cathays, Canton and Whitchurch were fully equipped and ready to adhere to social distancing measures. YC Sports was also able to deliver online orders free of charge using its convoy of electric vehicles thanks to the finance which was secured as part of the Government-backed Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).
Wai Lim, Director at YC Sports Supplies, said: “School children are constantly growing out of their uniforms so we needed to ensure we had enough stock before children across South Wales went back to school. Our busiest months are July, August and September, so we are very grateful for the support of our Relationship Manager at HSBC UK, Donagh Kenny as the funding she facilitated supported our re-opening.”
Phil Sargeant, HSBC UK’s Area Director for South Wales, at HSBC UK,added: “It has been a pleasure to support a local business that so many families in South Wales rely on. YC Sports is a business that needs a strong supply of stock around September so this funding has been vital in helping the business meet the needs of pupils across the region in such an uncertain time.”
YC Sports was founded by YC Lim in 1983 and now operates three stores across South Wales. Since the easing of lockdown restrictions, the business has begun re-opening its stores but has proven it can easily adapt to change in measures with its online delivery service.
