Female Founders Focus: Case Study – PPS Equipment

Back in 2022, PPS Equipment Holdings secured a £2.25m investment from the FDC Debt Fund to support the company’s continued growth.

We interviewed Joanne Lee, Managing Director at PPS, to reflect on the business’ growth, sustainability values and the impact investment can have to accelerate progress:

Tell us about the business and your role.

PPS are a leading provider of returnable equipment solutions. Our goal is to support our customers to create a more sustainable supply chain by providing services such as equipment rental, washing, pooling, sales and repairs.

PPS manages over 30 million equipment movements every year out of our 2 BRC accredited wash sites located in the Midlands and Grimsby. We regularly invest in new machines and technology to support customers growth and adapt to their changing needs.

We also have a sales arm to our business, Alison Handling, which is located in Kirkham near Preston and sells a large variety of returnable equipment to ensure we can meet all our customers needs.

I have been in the role of MD since 2015 but have been with PPS for over 14 years.

What specific barriers did you encounter in seeking investment and how did you overcome them? Are there any strategies or mindsets that you found particularly effective?

I think it is important to have advisors who understand your business strategy and funding requirement to guide you through the different funding options and process.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, what advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs and business leaders, especially those who are navigating the early stages of seeking investment?

Always have confidence in yourself and remember that no one knows your business as well as you do!

And what is next PPS Equipment Holdings? What does the future hold?

We plan to continue to support businesses and help them to achieve their sustainability goals through the adoption of returnable packaging. It can be daunting making big changes to supply chain processes which is where we come in, we provide all the services such as equipment, management, washing and pooling so our customers can focus on their core business.

To support our customers we intend to continue to invest in our equipment pool alongside further technology to increase our services.

Established in 2001, PPS provides returnable transit packaging solutions and services, UK, offering customers cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternatives to single-use packaging.

With sustainability being the company’s core principle, PPS work collaboratively with their customers to eliminate as much single-use packaging as possible from their supply chain by identifying the best returnable solution for their needs so that they can focus on their core business while lowering their carbon footprint.

https://www.ppsequipment.co.uk/

Sue Summers, CEO FDC, commented: “The theme of International Women’s Day this year is ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’. This resounds with our ethos to inspire inclusion, emphasise the importance of diversity and empowerment and provide access to the financial backing to accelerate growth.

“At FDC, we pride ourselves in supporting businesses and their strong management teams with more than just money. Alongside investment, we unlock our expansive network of professionals to provide insights and experience to help businesses flourish.

“PPS is an excellent example of the businesses and management leaders whom we support, and continue to watch them go from strength to strength.”

FDC offer investments from £1 million to £7.5 million to UK SMES to support a range of transactions and business growth plans.

If you are an SME looking to accelerate your business aspirations, visit our website at fronterdevelopmentcapital.com or get in touch with us at marketing@frontierdevelopmentcapital.com