A HEREFORDSHIRE family-run interiors business that produces environmentally friendly plant-based paint has opened a brand-new shop in London.

Edward Bulmer Natural Paint has secured a six-figure funding deal from NatWest and its asset finance partner Lombard to support its continued growth.

The business, which is based in Pembridge, produces a range of natural paints for consumers, designers and contractors and now employs over 20 people.

It has recently opened a flagship retail store at 194 Ebury Street, just off the Pimlico Road design quarter in London’s Belgravia.

Interior designer, architectural historian and ‘colourman’ Edward Bulmer is behind the natural paint range, which he began developing in 2007 using only 12 natural earth and mineral pigments to make over 160 colours.

Since 2015, Edward and his wife Emma have seen increasing demand for high-quality paint that doesn’t cost the earth and have developed their business from there.

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The funding package from NatWest will support the company to further build on their e-commerce origins, expanding to become a traditional retail business and opening their first store, situated in London, as well as growing their team.

Company director Emma Bulmer said: “People are becoming more and more interested in using environmentally friendly decorating products because of concerns for their health and the health of the planet. Our natural paint is an easy solution to help people switch from plastic-based paints to natural, plant-based ones.

“We based our business on an e-commerce platform and it has grown steadily, but we always wanted to meet our customers. With the new shop we can help our customers with their colour choices and give them a chance to actually see the paint colours on the walls.

“We have a fantastic relationship with NatWest and Lombard, who understand our business goals and what we want to achieve long-term and their flexible finance package suits the needs of the business and our future aspirations.”

Mark Eckley, relationship manager at NatWest, said: “It’s exciting time for Edward and Emma as they open a new store in London. They have a fantastic business with strong sustainable credentials that align with NatWest’s commitment to address climate change and achieve net zero before 2050.

“Supporting our customers through the transition to net zero is a key strategic priority and we’ve committed an additional £100 billion of Climate and Sustainable Funding and Financing to customers by the end of 2025. We wish the whole team at Edward Bulmer Natural Paint every success with this new endeavour.”

Alexandra Evans, commercial relationship manager at Lombard, said: “Here at Lombard, we are always looking to champion our NatWest business banking customers, offering our support by more than just financial means. By working with both Emma and Mark, her relationship manager at NatWest, we were able to understand how we could best help the business, offering a tailored service and product to meet their needs."

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