The Great British Banjo Company, the business behind The Shackleton range of musical instruments, clothing and beers, has announced that it is seeking new investment worth £500,000.
Having attracted export interest from nations the likes of the United States, Argentina and Russia, the Norwich, Norfolk-based firm says it needs a substantial amount of funding to “fulfill its potential as a leisure brand focused on British quality and the spirit of the golden age of polar exploration.”
Founder and managing director, Simon Middleton commented: “We ran one of the top 2% most successful ever Kickstarter campaigns last year [2013] and then attracted angel funding from some of the Kickstarter backers, and that combination really got us going.
“We’ve created the first banjo factory in Britain for more than 60 years, and have manufactured and delivered some 200 instruments in under 12 months to customers all over the world. We have gone on to successfully launch a range of beers, knitwear, and gifts, all made in Britain under The Shackleton brand.
Middleton explained that the common thread between banjos, beer and jumpers was the spirit of explorer Ernest Shackleton, something which has captured its customers’ imaginations, and noted: “We are currently extending the beer range to six varieties and increasing production volumes, our knitwear is being picked up by boutiques and our banjos have won fantastic customer reviews from here to Honolulu.”
“People love our story and our values. We are fully committed to actually manufacturing in Britain. We are passionate about the adventurous and optimistic spirit of Shackleton, and everything we do has an authentic feel of quality and craftsmanship, whether it’s a musical instrument, an item of clothing, or a pint of superb English ale,” he enthused.
