Picture story: festive fayre, thanks to over 4,000 investors

Effectual Ltd initially specialised in secure storage solutions at their warehouse in Essex. However, eleven years ago business owner Jimmy Holder expanded into selling merchandise which has now become a key part of the business.

Effectual’s latest project is The Lapland Sack Company, which was born when Jimmy’s sons suggested selling Christmas stock. Helped by his team of elves David, Bonnie and John, The Lapland Sack Company sell a range of Christmas goodies, from Stockings to Sweet Jars and Santa Sacks, online and at their dedicated stall at Winter Wonderland in Colchester. The luxury jute sacks can be printed while you wait, and £1 from every sack sold is donated to charity.

Jimmy’s first experience of marketplace lending was in March 2014 when the opportunity arose to supply One Direction merchandise as part of the pop band’s VIP offer at their concerts. He needed finance quickly to be able to fulfil the order.

Describing his experience of Funding Circle, Jimmy said it was like a ‘breath of fresh air’ as it meant he could concentrate on building the business rather than worrying about finance. Effectual Ltd has now borrowed over £300,000, across three business loans, to fund new projects.

In this picture story, Jimmy discusses his experience of Funding Circle and you can see the sacks being personalised:

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