A secret key ingredient for the growth of a Birmingham based producer of bespoke macaroons has been revealed as leading non-bank business lender, BCRS Business Loans.

Miss Macaroon, which was set up by social entrepreneur and trained pastry chef Rosie Ginday, has been able to expand after securing a loan from BCRS Business Loans.

The high-end patisserie specialises in producing distinctive macaroons for both private and corporate clients.

“I required additional funding to establish a retail arm of Miss Macaroon which we saw as an important step in building a strong brand presence, said Ms Ginday.

“These plans almost didn’t materialise when I was unable to secure the necessary funding from a number of traditional and social lenders. Thankfully BCRS Business Loans understood our needs and stepped in to support us with a business loan.”

BCRS Business Loans is a not-for-profit business lender that supports the growth of viable Midlands-based SMEs with loans from £10,000 to £150,000. With dedicated Business Loan Funds that have been especially designed to meet the needs of local businesses, BCRS’ aim is to ‘leave no viable business unsupported.’

“The service we received by BCRS and our loans officer Lakhbir Singh was second to none. The process was fast and efficient, which was essential in meeting the deadline for our match funding bid.

“At the time of approaching BCRS I was worried, so it was great to work with someone who was willing to meet us halfway and wanted to help make a difference. Our plan is to use the funding to open three new retail outlets this financial year – both in Birmingham and further afield. Each retail store will require additional employees and will create new training opportunities.

“Miss Macaroon has come a long way. We have grown from producing 500 macaroons per day to over 7,000 per day at present. We are also the only patisserie in the world that is able to pantone match the colours of our macaroons, which has proved incredibly popular with corporate customers, attracting the likes of John Lewis, PWC and Karl Lagerfeld”, concluded Ms Ginday.

There is so much more to Miss Macaroon than meets the eye. The social enterprise business was born from Ms Ginday’s passion for both premium quality food and providing vital employment and training opportunities for young offenders and care-leavers, resulting in their aim to ‘change the world, one macaroon at a time.’

Lakhbir Singh, Regional Manager at BCRS Business Loans, said: “Miss Macaroon is having an impressive impact in the local community and has bright plans for the future, so we were delighted to support Rosie’s expansion plans.

Paul Kalinauckas, Chief Executive of BCRS Business Loans, added: “Similar to Miss Macaroon’s social aim of providing employment opportunities for young people, BCRS are motivated by the social impacts our business loans have on the local economy. As it stands we have lent over £30 million and have helped create or safeguard 7,400 jobs.

“We understand the struggle local SMEs have securing funding. We believe in local businesses so, with a relationship-based approach to lending, our Loans Officer will come out to meet loan applicants to discuss individual needs,” concluded Paul.

To discover more about BCRS Business Loans or to submit an enquiry form simply visit www.bcrs.org.uk or call 0345 313 8410.