Josh’s Chocolate gains UK government-backed loan to continue trading amid covid-19

Cornish confectionery company Josh’s Chocolate has been given a boost amid challenging trading conditions as it joins the ranks of businesses securing a UK government-backed bounce back loan for firms affected by the coronavirus pandemic, writes Neill Barston.

As the company explained, having set up last August, it had begun to gain a foothold with its bars and buttons being made available at tourist attractions and independent food stores within its home county.

Parker Confectionery Ltd, which is the business behind the brand, has been supported with a government-supported loan through Santander UK, which aims to help the company with its working capital and enable it to diversify online.

The Bounce Back Loan has allowed the business, which employs one full time member of staff and 10 casual employees, to continue with the planned growth trajectory. Josh launched his website in May 2020 and is now able to drive volume through the site to maximise sales and profit in the build up to Christmas. With turnover increasing month on month, the option to buy Josh’s Chocolate online is proving popular with chocolate lovers.

Josh Parker, founder and director of Josh’s Chocolate, said: “We were delighted to secure a Bounce Back Loan – not only has it been instrumental in helping to keep the business going, it meant we could help keep our customers smiling with chocolate deliveries. Despite everything, we’ve seen growth this year and we’re optimistic about the future.”

David Rogers, Business Banking Manager for Santander UK, commented: “It has been a pleasure to support Josh’s Chocolate through what has been an intensely challenging period for this young business. The business quickly adapted and has been able to maximise sales through its digital channels, reaching even more chocolate fans in the process.”