Umberto Giannini receives substantial investment from Lloyds Bank

Birmingham-based haircare business Umberto Giannini has received a seven-figure finance package from Lloyds Bank to help the brand enter new international markets.

The eponymous brand was co-founded in 1998 by the late celebrity hairstylist and his partner, artist and environmentalist Claire Shread.

The brand creates vegan, cruelty-free haircare products, available online and with retailers including Boots, Next and Waitrose. It is known for its bestselling Curl Jelly range, along with Scalp Restore and Salon Smooth collections.

Almost two thirds of Umberto Giannini's customer base is in the UK, with sales also in North America and the Middle East.

The new funding will be used to explore new markets in Ireland, the Netherlands and Australia, whilst the additional cash flow will give the business the ability to hold more stock to keep up with demand, protecting it from future supply chain disruption.

Claire Shread, Co-Founder of Umberto Giannini, said: “Hair can be an important statement of who we are and it’s vital to us that everybody is celebrated for their own unique style and representation of themselves. We hope to widen the discussion in the curly hair community and promote inclusion within the wider industry.

"The support we’ve received from Lloyds Bank is two-fold in that we’re able to invest in how our products are made, and where they will go. Exploring new markets will allow us to bring our unique values to even more of the world’s waves, curls and coils.”

Tony Hanley, Relationship Manager at Lloyds Bank, said: “Umberto Giannini is an incredibly impressive Midlands-grown business, which is growing rapidly despite current market and supply chain challenges. Whether it’s launching new products and services, or exploring new marketing, we will be by the side of businesses every step of the way.”

Listen to TheIndustry.beauty's podcast with Umberto Giannini's Co-founder, Claire Shread.