Ipswich's getting Juicy

Foundation East has enabled two young Suffolk entrepreneurs to fulfill a dream. Just seven months after returning from a world trip where they witnessed the growing phenomena of the juice bar formula, best friends Claire Lander and David Fisher have opened ‘MyJuice’, Ipswich’s first natural juice bar. The bar, situated next to Starbucks in the Buttermarket, was officially opened by two first team Ipswich Town football players this Spring. Serving a range of freshly squeezed juices, smoothies and healthy snacks, and providing free advice from a qualified nutritionist, ‘MyJuice’ has put Ipswich firmly on the map for the region’s growing legion of health-conscious consumers.

When Suffolk-born Claire Lander and David Fisher set off on a world tour nearly two years ago, little did they know the trip would sow the seed for a new business venture. Inspired by a new UK trend towards healthier living that became immediately apparent upon their return, and by the success of the juice bar formula they’d seen working so well around the world, the pair realised they’d stumbled upon a great business opportunity.  In spite of having come home with personal debt from travelling, and no proof of income, they were so confident and passionate about their idea that they started looking for property within four days of their return.

‘We knew our financial situation was not ideal but we also knew we had a strong case. We had spotted a gap in a fast growth market and we knew how to fill it. So, before approaching banks for funding, we spent 3 months conducting market research, writing an extensive and comprehensive business plan, and searching for the right property,’ explained Claire.

‘It paid off. We soon found the ideal location. Then, when we approached our bank they immediately saw the potential and agreed to a loan. However, we were only able to gain half of the funds we needed from them. Luckily, they put us in touch with Foundation East, who agreed to lend the rest,’ added David.

There are many individuals with great business ideas who are unable to raise the funds they need to get started. Some, like Claire and David, may be able to get a loan from a high street bank but fall down when it comes to having to at least match the amount loaned. Many others struggle to get anything whatsoever from traditional financial sources.

While Claire and David went to considerable effort to put together a very convincing business plan we understand that many individuals do not have the expertise or confidence to do so. If your business idea is sound, and like Claire and David your enthusiasm, passion and commitment shine through, then it is well worth discussing it with Foundation East.

‘Foundation East’s loan means we can do what we want to do how we want to do it. If we had not had the extra cash we would still have gone ahead somehow, however we would have had to compromise. Foundation East has given us the breathing space to concentrate on the most important thing - setting up and running our business - instead of having to worry where the next penny is coming from. This space will allow us to get the basics right. The rest will look after itself,’ advised Claire.

‘The fact that Foundation East reinvests all its profit into the community, sits well with us too,’ she concluded.

See www.myjuiceuk.com