A young couple from the Cotswolds have launched a new bedding company backed by one of county's biggest business support operations.

Husband and wife team Nick and Jo James have launched Bedfolk and are being backed by the county's Growth Hub.

According to the company it is aiming to "set a new standard for bedding which is beautifully designed, honestly made and fairly priced".

The Growth Hub is a partnership between the University of Gloucestershire and GFirst LEP.

Jo said, said: "The breadth of support from The Growth Hub has been invaluable; from working with experienced business mentors to guidance with finance and funding, we've been bowled over by the assistance in the run up to the launch of Bedfolk."

Bedfolk is one of more than 2,700 businesses in the region supported by the organisation. In the four years since the Growth Hub has opened it claims the businesses which have received its support have seen more than a £20 million increase in turnover.

Chris Gibbs, Growth Hub Business Guide said: "We exist to help Gloucestershire businesses grow and the support provided to Bedfolk is a perfect example of the guidance we provide for high growth start-ups.

"There are so many considerations when starting up and our role is to support those potential high growth businesses through the myriad of challenges faced when they launch and grow. We look forward to helping Nick and Jo on their quest to set a new standard in bedding."

Bedfolk was inspired by Tetbury-based, Nick and Jo who, when shopping for their first flat found the experience of buying bedding confusing, uninspiring and expensive.

No one could tell them the difference between the stacks of generic, plastic wrapped products and they left empty handed and frustrated.

Following 12 months of intensive research, (including touring cotton mills on honeymoon), the couple believe they have solved the problem by sourcing the finest calibre cotton, and partnering directly with a Portuguese family-run mill, to make bedding that is woven, dyed and finished the traditional way.

Bedfolk's bedding is made with 100 per cent long staple cotton (the type that gets softer with every wash) without using any synthetics or harmful bleaches and dyes at any stage. The range also meets the strictest of eco-standards; Oeko-Tex Certification, a higher standard than 'organic'.

Bedding bundles start from £99 and the range includes three styles - relaxed, classic and luxe, in a range of colours including a soft white, palest pink and a gentle grey.

Interested in free samples? To find out more visit www.bedfolk.com 

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