Newcastle drinks gadget company plans for global growth with £1m HSBC funding

A Newcastle company that manufactures devices to make aroma filled bubbles for the food and drinks industry is increasing its workforce and expanding into international markets thanks to a £1m funding package from HSBC UK.

JetChill which, designs, manufactures, and retails “innovative” devices for the hospitality industry, will use the funding to lease a 9,000 sq ft warehouse to enable the business to hold 300 per cent more stock as it focuses on increasing its presence in the US.

As part of its expansion, JetChill has also broadened its customer base and now sells its products, such as the Flavour Blaster and JetChill Dry Ice Systems, directly to consumers via its website. Previously the company sold predominantly to businesses, including many household names like Disney and The Marriott.

The new space will also accommodate its growing team, as the funding has enabled the company to take on six new members of staff this year, across engineering, sales, marketing, and distribution, taking its total number of employees to 15.

JetChill made its first international sale in 2011 to a hotel in Poland and now sells its products in a total of 138 countries, including the US, Australia and across Europe.

Colin Myers, founder of JetChill, commented: “We’re proud to play our role in driving the economy in the North East and are thrilled to be selling pioneering products directly to customers.

“We love seeing how excited customers get over these unique experiences – and they can now dazzle guests from the comfort of their own homes. Our products sell well in the US so we’re really excited to be in a position to expand our presence overseas too.”

Mark Smith, relationship manager at HSBC UK, added: “JetChill’s innovative and exciting products make them a standout operator in the North East. We’ve enjoyed working with the team on their growth strategy and look forward to continuing to support them as they explore new markets overseas.”

JetChill was co-founded by Robert Flunder and Colin Myers and currently retails 50 products which add a touch of theatre to exclusive venues, including Michelin Star restaurants and 5 Star Hotels, all over the globe.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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