The continued support of the Development Bank is allowing us to continuously grow and evolve. We’ve transformed the business from a small lifestyle venture into a favoured brand for environmentally conscious and socially aware consumers.
Stacey Canham-Grant, Founder, Black & Beech
Company overview
Black & Beech is a Cardiff-based online sustainable fashion retailer that offers a range of ethically sourced clothing and eco-friendly accessories.
Founder
Stacey Canham-Grant - Before establishing Black & Beech in 2017, Stacey was a fashion design lecturer. She first set-up Black and Beech as a part-time project whilst she was on maternity leave with her first son.
Business purpose
Black & Beech specialises in high-quality, sustainable fashion and lifestyle products, including ethically sourced clothing, eco-friendly accessories, and unique home decor items. Their unique selling proposition lies in their commitment to stylish designs, and empowering messages.
The business was created to provide a space where individuals can express their feminist beliefs through fashion, while actively supporting positive practices within the fashion industry. The Black & Beech brand has been used to promote activism in areas such as abortion rights and support for survivors of domestic violence.
A key aspect of the business is Stacey’s commitment to sustainability. The t-shirts & sweaters are PETA certified, and most are produced in a carbon neutral factory. Additionally, 95% of the cotton used is organic, whilst the rest is BCI cotton.
The wool used is renewable, biodegradable and knitwear is 100% wool sourced from cruelty-free suppliers, and the spinner adheres to the RSPCA five freedoms of animal welfare. They are also introducing organic cotton knitwear for their vegan customers.
Importantly, all website orders are carbon offset by Planet. This service is paid by the business to help reduce their environmental impact.
Working with us
Sales had doubled for Black & Beech following an initial loan from the Development Bank in 2022 to help grow the product range and invest in marketing.
The most recent follow-up funding has been used as working capital to purchase knitwear, recruit a new designer and develop the wholesale market. Stacey hopes this will help her products to expand internationally and launch a new Spring/Summer range of cotton and linen knits.
What people are saying
Fashion is a powerful form of expression and an effective tool for empowerment. At Black and Beech, we create a space where individuals can express their feminist beliefs through fashion, while actively supporting positive practices within the fashion industry.
The continued support of the Development Bank is allowing us to continuously grow and evolve. We’ve transformed the business from a small lifestyle venture into a favoured brand for environmentally conscious and socially aware consumers.
Stacey Canham-Grant, Founder, Black & Beech
Stacey has developed a unique selling proposition that is focused on a commitment to sustainability. Her quality designs and strong community engagement give the brand a competitive edge. This is ethical fashion at its very best and we look forward to seeing Black & Beech continue to grow.
Lisa Roberts, Portfolio Executive, Development Bank of Wales
