Organic skincare manufacturer boosts online growth with support from HSBC UK
South Acton, London based organic skincare manufacturer and online retailer, Pai Skincare, has grown its operations during the pandemic with the support of a seven-figure trade facility and equipment finance from HSBC Equipment Finance UK.
With the company’s revenue and headcount growing over the last twelve months as its online operations doubled in size – with 45 per cent growth coming from the UK market alone – Pai Skincare used part of the facility to invest in a new website and filling lines to help support customer demand.
In addition, the company invested in two robotic arms to support the production line and increase productivity.
Sarah Brown, CEO at Pai Skincare, commented: “London is the fastest growing region for manufacturing in the UK and we’re proud of our heritage within the city. It is important to us that we remain in London despite our operation needing to grow to meet increased demand, and through automating our packaging lines we’ve not only been able to increase productivity but also continue to operate in our existing unit.
“We have been looking to invest in automating our operations for some time, but the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated this process.
“The support we received from HSBC UK enabled us to adapt quickly to meet the rise in demand from our online platforms and to launch new services including our video consultations and live video shopping. They’ve had our backs throughout the pandemic.”
Raj Yadav, HSBC UK South West London Senior Commercial Manager, said: “HSBC UK was pleased to support the team at Pai Skincare to support the growth of its current operations. It’s fantastic to see the significant increase in demand over the last twelve months and the innovative technology solutions the company is investing in to help support this growth. We look forward to continuing to work with the team at Pai Skincare to help realise their future strategic ambitions.”
Pai Skincare produces a range of vegan and certified organic products focused on sensitive skin, all made by Pai in the UK. Whilst 30 per cent of its business comes from the UK market, the organisation also has big markets in Europe and the US, supplying customers including Sephora, John Lewis, Selfridges, Cult Beauty and Le Bon Marché.
