Liverpool City Region Combined Authority backs diabetic's mission to produce 'healthy and delicious' drinks with a �440,000 loan

A diabetic's mission to remove artificial sweeteners from soft drinks is being backed with a �440,000 loan, from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority's Flexible Growth Fund.

The investment will enable the Aintree based Happy Drinks Company to create 24 jobs as it expands its bottling and manufacturing capabilities to meet rapidly growing demand. Founded in 2017, the Happy Drinks Company is on a mission to remove artificial sweeteners from soft drinks using a natural, stevia based formula. Founder and CEO Ian Minton is a type 1 diabetic and started the company after having difficulty finding drinks that are both healthy and delicious, as the vast majority of sugar-free soft drinks use artificial sweeteners.

After humble beginnings, Happy Drinks Company has seen rapid growth in just a few years and the company now counts major retailers Lidl, M&S, Waitrose, Costco and Ocado amongst their customer base, stocking their innovative beverages.

The Flexible Growth Fund was established by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority with �20m, in 2020, offering flexible, low interest loans that businesses can access quickly and easily, to enable projects to be completed.

Managed by River Capital, it is available to small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) undertaking expansion projects and with the ability to raise 50% in match funding from the private sector.

Councillor Mike Wharton, Liverpool City Region Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Business, said:- "The Happy Drinks Company is a real success story and a great example of our City Region's world class advanced manufacturing sector. The business is already thriving and this investment will enable it to go on to even better things, creating another 24 jobs for local people in the process. What's more, this loan will be returned to the Combined Authority with interest, so we can put it back to work supporting other City Region businesses."

In 2020, the Happy Drinks Company, developed a global partnership with the official Emoji brand and followed this by relocating to a larger facility in Aintree to accommodate expansion in 2021. They now manufacturer a range of 7 products for on-sale to the major retailers.

The Flexible Growth Fund investment will support the provision of a state-of-the-art bottling line to increase production capacity. This will fuel the company's ambitions to boost sales, widen its product range and create further market penetration with better shelf placement as the brand grows.

The project will initially create a further 24 jobs in the Liverpool City Region and supports the Combined Authority's ambition of long term social and economic improvements.

Ian Minton, Founder and CEO of the Happy Drinks Company, said:- "As a type 1 diabetic I realised how difficult it was to find drinks that were both healthy and delicious. It was that experience, coupled with my belief in the power of natural ingredients, that led me to found the Happy Drinks Company and embark on a mission to eradicate artificial sweeteners from soft drinks and provide healthier alternatives for everyone. This funding is hugely important and will enable the business to continue to grow and disrupt the drinks industry while creating a further 24 jobs here in the Liverpool City Region."

River Capital Investment Manager Jeff Cummins said:- "We are delighted to be supporting Happy Drinks Company through the Combined Authority's Flexible Growth Fund. Since its founding in 2017, the company has shown impressive growth and innovation in developing great-tasting soft drinks without artificial sweeteners. Their beverages are clearly resonating with consumers, as evidenced by their rapid expansion into major UK retailers. Our investment will allow Happy Drinks to meet the increasing demand for their products by enhancing production capabilities. When the Flexible Growth Fund was established in 2020 by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the aim was to support local businesses making positive impacts and through the new job creation to removing unhealthy ingredients from popular drinks, Happy Drinks is doing just that. We're confident this funding will support the next stage of growth for Happy Drinks, and we look forward to following their ongoing success."

Northern seeks the engineers of the future

ENGINEERING apprentices are being sought at 5 locations across the North of England to learn as they earn while working on and maintaining Northern's nearly 400 strong fleet of trains.

These rare and exciting opportunities are likely to attract thousands of interested applicants and Northern is looking for candidates that have a:- "can do" attitude, are great at problem solving, have a questioning mind and enjoy working in supportive team environments.

Modern trains are increasingly complex and full of advanced technology offering a rewarding opportunity in a multitude of roles for keen and talented individuals.

The 18 Rail Engineering Apprentice roles will be spread across maintenance depots in:- Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Hull and Heaton in Newcastle and come with a starting salary of c. �17.5 per year.

The successful applicants while undertake a 4 year training programme and will achieve a Level 3 qualification, in Rail Engineering Technician on Traction and Rolling Stock.

Jamie Wood, 1 of Northern's engineering apprentices from 2023 said:- "At Northern I can challenge myself to be the best I can and develop new skills in a supportive environment."

The apprenticeship scheme has been developed in partnership with the National Training Academy for Rail and Myerscough College, in Preston.

For the 1st 2 years of the course, apprentices will spend 3 � terms living and studying in Myerscough College which offers a space to study, mix with your fellow apprentices, but also a place for to relax and unwind with onsite facilities, a local shop and public transport to local Market Town and Preston City Centre.

When not at College apprentices will be at their home depots gaining practical experience as part of a guided learning programme.

Oliver Doyle, another current Northern engineering apprenticeship commented:- "It's not the typical 9 to 5 job. No 2 days are the same and I love the variety of jobs and roles that I do. I learn something new every day. As an apprentice I have a wealth of knowledge at my disposal allowing me to expand my expertise and improve my skillset. As an apprentice engineer, my job involves:- servicing, repairing and maintaining Northerns fleet of trains along with learning and working towards my qualifications. I am most proud of being able to make a difference and getting trains out into service getting customers where they need to be on time."

On completion of their qualification, apprentices will be qualified with the necessary experience under their belt to be able to apply for a variety of different roles, including:- Maintenance Engineer, Team Leader or Technical Engineer.

Jack Commandeur, engineering director for Northern commented on the apprenticeship opportunities:- "A regular in-take of apprentices is important to help nurture the next generation of railway engineers and engineering leaders. In these roles, the apprentices can develop their skills and experience in an environment that speaks to their passion for science and technology. We're looking for people with a keen interest in mechanical, electrical and systems engineering and a strong desire to work hard to achieve success. We expect you to be passionate about your future career and be happy to carry on learning; our Apprenticeship Scheme takes dedication, enthusiasm, and personal commitment to complete. There will be a lot of permanent opportunities after you are qualified and many of our past apprentices are now enjoying rewarding and successful careers across our business. These apprenticeships are a really great and exciting opportunity, and we are expecting thousands of applicants."

Northern's engineering apprenticeships are open to anyone who is aged:- 16, by 1 September 2024. You must be aged:- 15, to apply. Northern is aiming to recruit apprenticeships on a 50/50 gender split.

Applications are open until the end of National Apprenticeship Week, from:- 18 February 2024, and more information is available at:- NorthernRailway.Co.UK.

News reports located on this page = 2.

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority backs diabetic's mission to produce 'healthy and delicious' drinks with a �440,000 loan

Northern seeks the engineers of the future