Lottery Loan For Pepper

Tue 15 Jul 2008

An Isle of Wight Lottery loan has given a big boost to a business start-up for Pepper Creative.
The company, formed by staff in June after the closure of Marriott Design, specialises in design for print, web and multi-media, and offers a range of marketing services.
Led by managing director Kirsty Evans, Pepper has managed to retain former clients, keep the creative team together, and develop a business plan delivering higher levels of competitiveness.
An application to the Chamber of Commerce-managed Lottery completed the jigsaw, and Ms Evans was delighted with the award of an interest free loan of £25,000 over three years.
She said: “Without the support of the Lottery, we simply couldn’t have moved forward. The loan has been vital to help get Pepper up and running. The application process was rigorous and the whole process helpful. We would recommend any new or growing business to make an application.”
Now Pepper – with team members Mike Pearson, Pete Henry, Martin Webb and Simon Lowe – is making plans for expansion.
The Isle of Wight Lottery exists to create more employment opportunities through a loan fund which supports the start up, development and growth of small and medium-sized businesses. Money from ticket sales forms a fund from which interest free loans are made to island businesses that wish to create jobs.