Cambridgeshire entrepreneur lights up after securing £16,000 for his bespoke lamp shade business

Cambridgeshire entrepreneur Dominic Green has secured a £16,000 Start-up loan from First Enterprise - Enterprise Loans through the British Business Bank to start up his new interior design business.

Shades by Dominic Green produces beautifully crafted high-end lampshades, made with the best quality fabrics, within his home workshop.

After two years of tirelessly working on design concepts and developing bespoke components, Dominic has been able to further the development and innovation of the shape of his shades - alongside incorporating an eco-friendly diffuser from the bottom up.

Dominic had to rethink and redirect his business plans overnight after becoming unemployed and having to close his previous company due to the pandemic. However, with his strong interest in interior design and drawing on inspiration from his time living in Japan - he started his new business venture ‘Shades by Dominic Green’ and has been perfecting his craft for the past 18 months.

The range of unique shapes and ‘floating’ eco-friendly diffusers offer the customer a unique innovative experience. The diffusers have an adjustable wire and magnet system made of unbleached natural cotton or a choice of handmade Japanese Washi paper to allow a delicately diffused glow.

The Start-Up Loan will help Dominic fund the expansion plans for his business. Dominic plans to invest in equipment, materials, marketing, and staff - to upscale his workshop and meet new demand.

Dominic Green, Founder of Shades by Dominic Green, commented: 

“With the Start-Up Loan from First Enterprise - Enterprise Loans, I am now able to upscale my workshop, invest in marketing and so much more. After thinking I wouldn’t be able to receive a loan due to being on universal credit, I had come across the NEA (New Enterprise Allowance) fund which allowed me to apply for a start-up loan with First Enterprise - Enterprise Loans.

“With only weeks left before the NEA deadline, I applied and received the money within no time. Matthew and the team at First Enterprise - Enterprise Loans have been a pleasure to work with and have helped me all throughout my journey.”

Matthew Wright, Investment Manager at First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans commented:

“To see Dominic now being able to apply his time and resources on a venture he has so much passion for, made possible due to the funding we provided is the underlying motivation for doing what I do. Moreover, the products that Dominic is crafting look fantastic and would brighten up any household they go in.

Richard Bearman, Managing Director Small Business Lending, British Business Bank said:

“Seeing Dominic thrive and working on something he is so passionate about after a turbulent two years because of the pandemic is what these loans are all about, helping people to achieve their goals and ambitions. The British Business Bank is pleased to be supporting Dominic and his business and we are eager to see him co continue to flourish.”

For more information, please contact Shailah Squire on ssquire@first-enterprise.co.uk or 0115 942 3772.