Swindon-based safety footwear manufacturer Tuffking is focused on growth after receiving a six-figure investment from the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund.
Tuffking is using the investment which has been secured via appointed fund manager FW Capital, to create nine jobs, expand its client base and invest more into their new UK manufacturing facilities, which will enable them to produce more British made boots.
The business recently relocated its headquarters to Swindon’s Kembrey Business Park and has a long history of providing hard-wearing protective boots since it was founded as Giffard Newton & Sons in 1854. It is also growing its global presence following increased demand for its products across the world and aims to hit £50 million in turnover by 2030.
100 per cent British-owned, Tuffking manufactured the first leather fire boots to ever be tested to safety standards in the UK and they continue to innovate with the best record of safety and compliance in the industry.
They operate in 21 countries and are renowned for manufacturing high quality products. Workers across a variety of sectors use the products including emergency services, military and industrial businesses such as oil and gas.
Tuffking products can be purchased through their extensive network of distributors in the UK and abroad. The products use innovative technology, including Vibram high density rubber outsoles and their in-house developed Tuff-Dry waterproof membrane.
Tuffking continues to supply the armed forces and since 2021 has more than tripled its client base in the UK emergency sector. It has also created an industry-leading boot, produced from 100 per cent recycled vegan material, and post-consumer waste.
Ryan Dhindsa, managing director at Tuffking, said: “We’ve a very well-established business that is growing at pace and the investment received from the South West Investment Fund via FW Capital is a great boost.
“The nature of our business and clients’ needs means we are a specialist manufacturer with a reputation for delivering quality and trusted products. Leveraging over 170 years of technical knowledge and experience we have evolved our business to meet increased demands across a wide variety of sectors.
“The funding will help us to innovate and invest further in our product range.”
The team at FW Capital was led by David Goodall, fund manager, supported by Kevin Goodall and Ben Donati.
Ben Donati, investment executive at FW Capital explained “Tuffking is on an exciting journey of growth as it reacts to changing demands which has seen them diversify and expand their product range. They are also creating new jobs as they continue to strengthen their position as a leading UK manufacturer in their field.
“The business has a strong heritage and reputation for excellence, and we’re thrilled to help them with this next stage of their development. This is a great example of how the funding from the South West Investment Fund can help to achieve their growth ambitions and better serve their customers thanks to the necessary working capital behind them.”
Lizzy Upton from the British Business Bank said: “We’re delighted that the South West Investment Fund has backed this ambitious business, with its rich history, commitment to innovation and increasing UK manufacturing capabilities. We’re excited to see what the future holds for Tuffking as they continue to strengthen their global presence and build on their remarkable heritage.”
The South West Investment Fund covers the entire South West region and provides loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million to help small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead. Fund manager FW Capital provides debt finance using the South West Investment Fund to businesses in Bristol, Gloucestershire, North and North East Somerset and Wiltshire.
Pictured: Ben Donati of FW Capital, Ryan Dhindsa, of MD Tuffking, Lizzie Upton of British Business Bank and Kevin Goodall of FW Capital.
