How we've helped The Cove Bathing Co

Bianca started The Cove Bathing Company from her home in Trispen, just outside Truro, after the pandemic made her reassess her career.

Bianca had been working in the construction industry, but her role had changed dramatically and in 2021, she decided to start her own business.

After the successful launch of the Cove Bathing Company, which sells luxury bath salts, bath milks, oils and more, Bianca decided she needed a bit of help to develop her growing brand. She got in touch with Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Growth Hub at a crucial stage.

“I contacted the Growth Hub when we were about six months into the business,” said Bianca. “I’d had a good launch and we’d built up our social media so there was already a bit of a buzz around about the products. I wanted to capitalise on that momentum.

“I thought I’d get in touch and see what they could offer.”

Like many start-up owners, Bianca had lots of ideas and plans but needed some impartial, practical advice to help with her decision making.

She was given an expert contact in the Growth Hub and was also advised to sign up to a business course, which offered guidance on marketing, sales and finance.

Bianca says the course has provided practical help, particularly in areas such as finance, while having someone impartial she could email or call about a range of topics has been crucial across every area of her business.

“They gave me a confidence boost,” said Bianca. “They signposted me to all sorts of different services, they sent me a load of factsheets on different topics and on grants I was looking at.

“When you start out on you own, that kind of support is invaluable.”

Bianca says she has already recommended Growth Hub to her family and close friends who are starting up their own businesses.

“What’s really cool is that it doesn’t matter what stage you’re at when you approach Growth Hub,” she added. “I got in touch when I was already having quite a good time but I wanted to maximise my opportunities, whereas other people can get in touch when they’re new or before they even launch. You can talk about the differences between a sole trader and a limited company or about start-up loans and grants.

“Essentially, there’s no downside in calling them to start with and having a chat.”

Bianca now hopes to build on her brand and her products, which are sold online and wholesale to more than 100 different stores nationwide.

The Cove Bathing Company has also just launched its ‘white label’ range, which means other firms can add their branding to certain products and boost their trade.

“I’ve only just begun - I don’t even feel like I’ve got started yet!” said Bianca, who wants to work with other local firms and keep developing her business. “Hopefully we’ll become a really high-quality cosmetics company in Cornwall.”

The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth Hub from May 2016 -  June 2023 was part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and match funded by Cornwall Council, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership.  The project received £2,848,591.49 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.