A YORK-based ethical soap company trading in France in Denmark is looking to grow its sales channels as part of plans to expand further into Europe.

Cosy Cottage Soap Company was founded in 2015 by chemist Clara Challoner Walker and incorporated just last year.

The business specialises in producing ethical and sustainable soap, skincare, candles and gifts, using only natural ingredients, recyclable or compostable packaging, and small batch manufacturing processes which produce minimal waste.

Originally based in a “kitchen laboratory” at founder Ms Challoner’s 350-year-old cottage in Ganthorpe, York, Cosy Cottage has rapidly increased to a team of five and moved to the Innovation Centre at York Science Park.

The company has also established links with the Biorenewables Development Centre and Biovale, a non-for-profit organisation which promotes bio-economy innovation across the region.

Increasing its links with businesses in the city, Cosy Cottage has now appointed York accountancy firm Garbutt + Elliott to support its planned expansion into more European markets, as well as boosting its ecommerce offer, sales channels and product range.

Ms Challoner, who has already started trading in France and Denmark with Cosy Cottage, said: “We worked with Garbutt + Elliott in the past, when we first had the idea for an ethical soap company but faced the daunting task of actually setting up a business from our kitchen laboratory.

“We felt like a rabbit in headlights then, so it was great to have a specialist in start-ups advise us and take the burden off our shoulders.

“As we look to scale up the business and grow in European and online markets, it’s crucial that we build on our networks and take more advice from trusted consultants.

“Garbutt + Elliott understands what Cosy Cottage is all about and shares our vision, so I’m confident this relationship will help us maintain the balance between being ethical and profitable.”

Garbutt + Elliott has 11 partners and advises start-ups and established businesses throughout Yorkshire across sectors including manufacturing, food, digital tech and creative, construction, leisure and charities.

Jimmy Durham, business services manager at Garbutt + Elliott, said: “This is a very exciting time for Cosy Cottage Soap Company and our experience with start-ups looking to expand means we’re ideally placed to advise on its strategic growth.”