Harrogate Hair Brand Cloud Nine Seals Major £19m Finance Facility from HSBC
Yorkshire hair and beauty brand Cloud Nine is poised for significant expansion after securing a substantial £19 million finance facility from HSBC. This landmark deal represents the most significant funding transaction the Harrogate-based retailer has achieved since its establishment in 2009.
Financial Performance and Growth Trajectory
Cloud Nine has built a robust reputation for its advanced technology hair straighteners and styling tools over the past seventeen years. For the fifteen-month period ending March 2025, the company reported an impressive turnover of £43.8 million. Operating profit demonstrated remarkable growth, surging from £4.2 million to £7.2 million during this timeframe.
The firm, which employed sixty-six staff members in its 2025 financial year, has consistently focused on delivering high-quality, temperature-controlled products to a global customer base. This new financial injection is expected to accelerate international market penetration and product development initiatives.
Legal Advisory and Transaction Details
The complex transaction was facilitated by long-term legal partner Gordons, which has provided counsel to Cloud Nine for more than eight years. A specialized team from the law firm, led by banking partner Ben Roden and supported by banking lawyer Gresa Bakolli, corporate partner James Fawcett, and corporate lawyer Lisa Murphy, managed the legal aspects of the deal.
Cloud Nine's non-executive chairman, Martin Rae, emphasized the importance of this funding milestone. "This funding package marks an important milestone for Cloud Nine as we continue to invest in delivering high quality, temperature-controlled products for our customers around the world," he stated. "The team at Gordons have a deep understanding of our business across multiple areas and the pace at which we like to operate. Their support has been instrumental in delivering this transaction ahead of schedule, and we are delighted with the outcome."
Banking Partnership and Future Prospects
Stephen Smith, senior relationship director at HSBC UK, expressed enthusiasm about supporting Cloud Nine's growth phase. "Cloud Nine is entering an exciting stage of growth, which is why it's fantastic to support this investment," he commented. "The business has demonstrated impressive progress since its launch and continues to build a strong presence in the industry. We look forward to them achieving long-term success."
Ben Roden of Gordons highlighted the collaborative nature of the transaction. "Whilst Cloud Nine has been a client of the firm for many years, this is the first time that we have had the opportunity to assist them with a major funding transaction," he explained. "It's been great to work closely with the founders, Cloud Nine's own finance team and HSBC locally to help them secure the right funding package for their international business, to further propel Cloud Nine as it enters the next phase of its journey."
Comprehensive Legal Support and International Elements
Beyond banking and corporate advice, Gordons provides Cloud Nine with extensive legal services including negotiation of high-profile commercial agreements and regulatory guidance. The transaction also involved Australian legal components, with Melbourne-based law firm Mills Oakley providing specialized assistance on international aspects of the deal.
This comprehensive financial and legal support structure positions Cloud Nine to capitalize on emerging market opportunities while maintaining its commitment to innovative hair care technology and customer satisfaction worldwide.
