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Tilz Prosperitas: Yorkshire firm secures flexible finance following government referral
E-commerce business is ready to deliver to Europe and take on new clients in the US and Canada
Founded by Leeds businesswoman Tayo Adebisi, Tilz Prosperitas – an e-commerce business specialising in gift sets and Advent calendars – had growing demand from Europe and an opportunity to expand sales into North America. The business started in 2017 when Tayo launched her online store and flagship brand TilzCollection with just £5,000 capital. Within four years, turnover had reached £3 million.
The challenge
Like many businesses, the Covid pandemic created cash flow challenges for Tilz Prosperitas, making it difficult to pay suppliers on time, ship goods promptly, and develop new products. After several banks declined funding applications, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority referred Tayo to Moustafa Elgendy, International Trade Adviser at the Department of Business and Trade, and Alissia Deane, UKEF’s Export Finance Manager for West Yorkshire.
The solution
After talking through the best finance options with Tayo, Alissia connected the business to Dynamic Funding, who brokered two trade finance loans worth up to £200,000. By working with partners like Dynamic Funding, UKEF is increasing the range of flexible financing accessible to smaller businesses, reducing missed opportunities for exporting and promoting growth.
The impact
With the new funding in place, Tilz Prosperitas is ready to fulfil holiday season orders from established clients across the Netherlands, Germany, France and Spain, while preparing to supply a major US supermarket chain and expand into Canada. The company also plans to diversify beyond seasonal products and explore markets in Australia, China and Mexico.
When I started TilzMart with £5,000 eight years ago, I never imagined we’d be supplying major retailers across Europe and North America. The pandemic taught us how crucial flexible finance is for growth – we had the orders but couldn’t bridge the gap between paying suppliers and receiving payments. This funding has been transformational, allowing us to confidently take on larger contracts and expand into new markets.
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