[New] Purple Planet Packaging continues to deliver growth

A Midlands-based packaging company is set to more than double its turnover after unboxing its own package of business support.

Purple Planet Packaging, based on Seven Stars Industrial Estate in Coventry, is on track to generate £2 million worth of turnover in the 12 months to July 2023, after generating around £1.3 million of sales for the same period last year.

The company supplies sustainable food and drinks packaging, from hot and cold drink cups to takeaway cartons, to a range of sectors including schools, hospitality trade and directly to consumers.

Despite having no previous entrepreneurial experience, husband and wife Mark and Joanna Farr bought the business six months before the Covid pandemic struck in 2020, when the company was generating around £120,000 worth of turnover.

The investment was initially intended as a side business for Mark’s day job as a paramedic and Joanna, whose background is in the third sector, but as demand soared during the pandemic due to more people ordering takeaways during lockdown, they realised they had a full-time business on their hands.

They were supported by the start-up team at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to access the Chamber’s Accelerated Growth programme.

This project forms part of the Coventry & Warwickshire Business Support Programme, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Mark and Joanna learned the basics of business planning including a bespoke session on managing cashflow, website advice and setting realistic KPIs to chart their progress.

The Chamber also assisted with Purple Planet Packaging’s successful application for a £46,000 investment grant from Coventry City Council, which has helped to fund business critical equipment including desktop PCs, warehouse racking and electric vehicles.

Mark said: “Ensuring we had enough stock and finance available were crucial in the early stages and being given tips on how to sensibly forecast for the months ahead along with having access to grants has really given us a launchpad for longterm growth.

“We have recently recruited a business development manager and we are aiming to grow our head count from eight staff to 12.”

Helena Bassett, business advisor at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Mark and Joanna have grown the business’s turnover from £120,000 to more than £1 million in under two years – all while having two young children. They are a shining example to other start-up entrepreneurs.”

Giuliana Famiglietti Pipola, business development manager at Coventry City Council, said: “We are delighted the Chamber could support this company –the support was just at the right time and really enabled the company to thrive.”

For more information about business support, visit www.cw-chamber.co.uk/ business-support