Natural pet care brand HOWND secures £50k for jobs and expansion

Natural pet care company HOWND has secured £50k in funding as it prepares to create jobs and develop its ethical pet product range.

The Borehamwood-based business will use the five-figure boost from NatWest, alongside a further £300k in targeted funding later this year, to create up to five jobs over the next 12 months.

HOWND will also put the cash towards new product development, including the launch of its first ever pet accessory, an antimicrobial food and water bowl called the HERO Bowl.

The company is aiming to raise the additional £300k through a mix of angel investors and crowdfunding.

Founders Mark Hirschel and Jo Amit established HOWND in 2015. It provides UK-made, natural and vegan pet hygiene products, all accredited by the Ethical Company Organisation and certified by Cruelty Free International.

Mark and Jo were participants of NatWest’s Entrepreneur Accelerator Programme, formerly called Entrepreneurial Spark, last year.

Mark said: “The HOWND brand has grown considerably in the last three years. As the market for natural pet products expands, there is significant potential for future growth.”

“Being a part of NatWest’s accelerator programme has been a key factor in our current success. It gave us access to comprehensive coaching and invaluable financial support.”

He continued: “Over the next 12 months, we have ambitions to diversify our product range. This will enable us to continue to provide the most innovative, natural and ethically sourced pet products on the market.”

NatWest business growth enabler Sharad Varma commented: “NatWest’s accelerator programme supports passionate entrepreneurs like Mark and Jo.

“It provides access to mentors, investors and advisors, as well as financial support. HOWND has proven it has what it takes to succeed, with a product and brand which is truly unique.”

HOWND was also supported by NatWest entrepreneur development manager Chris Kettle and relationship manager Manveer Degun.

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