Eight Norfolk businesses have received support from the latest round of the Jarrold Growth Fund, this year in partnership with Norfolk County Council. From hand-forged metalwork to artisan kombucha and innovative tech platforms, this year’s recipients showcase the diversity, talent and entrepreneurial spirit that make Norfolk’s business community so special.
The Jarrold Group launched its Growth Fund in February 2024 as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to Norwich and Norfolk and the business community. This year’s partnership with Norfolk County Council brings together shared values of innovation, sustainability and community, with £100,000 of combined support available through a mix of funding, mentoring and practical help.
More than 70 start-ups and established businesses applied to the scheme in March 2025 with eight successfully securing funding, investment or support.
The following businesses received a blend of financial and practical support from Jarrold Group and Norfolk County Council:
Urban Interiors was the first business to receive funding, allowing the founder to embark on training and benefit from professional support to elevate her local profile.
L V Bespoke are specialists in creating bespoke metalwork and point-of-sale displays for the horticultural and lifestyle sectors, blending craftsmanship, creativity, and functionality. The Growth Fund will enable LV to scale up their operations and develop the business in a structured, sustainable way.
Oichi Kombucha, run by three sisters in rural Norfolk, is dedicated to creating authentic artisan kombucha infusions, made with seasonal, fresh and foraged ingredients. Jarrold Growth Fund support will enable Oichi to develop new flavours and expand into vending machine distribution. Oichi will also receive support from Jarrolds’ marketing agency, Yawn, and its logistics resources.
Due Trade creates online ordering platforms for the B2B sector, enabling businesses to increase trade orders and save time on inbound enquiries. The Growth Fund will allow Due Trade to invest in a business developer to support its customers and support the company’s next phase of growth.
One of a Kind Club is a well-loved jewellery brand, already available throughout the UK. The Growth Fund will enable the business to launch a new sustainable range and develop a better understanding of high-street trends, visual merchandising, marketing expertise and customer preferences to inform future product development and retail strategy.
Norfolk County Council also provided funding to the following organisations:
Zoological Society of East Anglia was awarded funding to revamp its outside seating area at Banham Zoo, enhancing the attraction’s food and beverage offering.
Stepping Stones is a charity based in Norwich where adults with learning disabilities receive the education, training and support they require to fulfil their potential. Funding from the Growth Fund will enable Stepping Stones to further develop its range of student-made products, such as stationery, calendars, t-shirts and bags. This includes attending its first trade show in London to showcase products to a national B2B audience.
Dragonfly Flooring is an independent business in south Norfolk which received funding to help develop its marketing strategy, including an investment in impactful vehicle graphics to ensure it stands out.
Caroline Ellis is group business development manager at the Jarrold Group. “This year’s Growth Fund has shown once again how much innovation and heart there is across Norfolk,” Caroline explains. “We wanted to support businesses that combine creativity with a clear sense of purpose and growth in mind and our chosen applicants have that in abundance.
“At the Jarrold Group, we don’t just offer funding, we share our expertise in training, marketing, logistics, facilities management and retail to help these businesses grow in a way that’s sustainable and true to their vision. All the businesses we have selected as beneficiaries of the Jarrold Growth Fund will receive a relevant package of practical support to enable their sustainable growth and progression.”
Hannah Springham, co-founder of Farmyard Frozen, explains why receiving Jarrold Growth Fund investment in 2024 was a game-changer for her business.
“Jarrold’s investment in Farmyard could not have come at a better time for us,” Hannah explains. “It has helped us pivot into selling our Norfolk-made products to international first and business class airlines, which has been a real game changer for our business. The help, support and faith that the Jarrold team have provided has been incredible: we feel very fortunate and are really enjoying engaging with them and leaning into their experience and advice as we grow.”
“My advice for recipients is to be relentless. Never give up, there is always a way to make it happen,” adds Hannah.
Cllr Fabian Eagle, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Norfolk County Council said: “These innovative businesses will receive the support they need, both financial and practical, to grow in a way that is sustainable. You only have to read the comments from some of these ventures about the impact it will have to see its real value, and I’m delighted that Norfolk County Council has been able to collaborate with Jarrold to provide this support.”
