Supplies for Candles is lighting the way
YORKSHIRE- BASED SUPPLIES for Candles has hired 35 extra staff, as sales surged during the lockdown.
Established in 2016, Supplies for Candles is an online supplier of candle and soap making ingredients to a growing craft industry.
The acquisition of the Devonbased Soap Kitchen in April, a £ 3.5m supplier of cosmetic soap ingredients, has established the company as one of the market leaders in the distribution of both candle and soap making supplies in the UK and Europe.
Founder and managing director, Nicky Story, said the firm had doubled the head count at its Mexborough headquarters over recent months.
There have also been a number of internal promotions within the business, and a £ 150,000 investment in a new mezzanine, equipment and offices to create additional space and improve productivity.
Mr Story added: “An increase in internet activity and working from home resulted in an increase of sales for us.
“By growing our marketing team and efforts, we have thrived during these uncertain times.
“In order to keep our staff safe, we have moved from eight- hour days to two- shift 16- hour days to accommodate the extra business and team members and to make sure we could create a safe, socially distanced working environment for everyone.”
Mr Story said recent rapid growth could be due to people looking for new hobbies to lift their spirits during lockdown, and also people setting up candle businesses from home during a time of profound economic uncertainty.