A YORK based healthy drinks brand is turning the tap on expansion after securing a £25,000 loan which will support nine new jobs at the company.

Revolution Waves, which operates out of offices at York Science Park, secured the finance from the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) on behalf of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF).

The soft drinks business, which produces zero sugar, low calorie bottled drinks, is still in its first year of trading after launching in January this year.

Spearheaded by a trio of sports enthusiasts and childhood friends, Phil Raikes, Charlie Simpson-Daniel, and Dan Norton, the business donates 5p from every bottle sold to NHS charities including Glasgow Children’s Hospital, Velindre Cancer Trust and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

Charlie Simpson-Daniel, managing director at Revolution Waves said: “It’s been an incredible journey since we began trading in January, launching in Tesco, Co-Op, Turner & Price, Holroyd Howe as well as in more than 40 schools around the UK.

“We’re thrilled consumers are responding to the message that it is possible, through our drinks range, to create a healthier you and a healthier society through our donations to NHS charities.

“Our success to date wouldn’t have been possible without BEF which has invested in making our vision of a drinks sector Revolution a reality.

“We have achieved excellent sales in Co-Op and have just tripled our distribution in Tesco. The funding boost will support our growth as we continue to secure contracts with major retailers across the UK.”

BEF, a social enterprise offering funding and business advice to businesses across Yorkshire and the North East, was awarded joint fund manager status for NPIF earlier this year.

Andy Clough, investment manager at BEF, said: “This is another exciting project for BEF and it’s brilliant to be working with such a passionate team at Revolution Waves.

“The health-conscious market is growing rapidly as more and more people opt for healthier alternatives, so it’s a great time for the business to be capitalising on this fast-paced, expanding industry.

“We’re looking forward to watching their continued success in this incredibly competitive market place.”

Grant Peggie, director at British Business Bank, said: “Revolution Waves is a great example of the type of business that the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund is designed to support.”