EAST Lothian-based company S’wheat has been awarded £100,000 from Scottish EDGE, the UK’s largest business funding competition.

S’wheat founders Jake Elliott-Hook and Amee Ritchie, both from Tranent, won the Net Zero category award for their social enterprise at the ceremony last month at Royal Bank of Scotland’s conference centre at Gogarburn in Edinburgh.

S’wheat has a factory in Musselburgh and creates reusable bottles made from discarded wheat stalks and bamboo, producing the only reusable bottle that plants trackable native trees with each bottle sold, allowing consumers to view where in the world their trackable tree has been planted.

The event was attended by a number of business figures, as well as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

East Lothian Courier: S'wheat co-founders Amee Ritchie (left) and Jake Elliott-Hook being presented with their award by Judith Cruickshank from RBS

S'wheat co-founders Amee Ritchie (left) and Jake Elliott-Hook being presented with their award by Judith Cruickshank from RBS

Reflecting on the award Amee said: “It was great to be given the award, which will be massive in helping us upgrade our machinery to cope with increased demand.

“We’re growing really fast at the moment so this money will really help us keep up with that growth.

“We didn’t really expect to win. We were in the Net Zero category and a different business was given the award so we thought we had won nothing.

“But then they announced that we had also won so it was really a big shock to us to get it.”

S’wheat is planning to launch all-new reusable products made from the same material of bamboo and wheat.

Amee said: “We hope to launch some new products soon. It’s all about continuing to grow the business and make it bigger and better for the planet.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said at the event: “Recovery from the pandemic and the current cost crisis we are facing has caused huge challenges across our business sector but the innovative ways businesses have adapted and reacted has been remarkable.

East Lothian Courier: First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaking at the ceremony

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaking at the ceremony

“The Scottish Government recognises the vital role new businesses and new ideas play in creating jobs and prosperity across Scotland, which is why we are delighted to be supporting Scottish EDGE.”

Judith Cruickshank, managing director at Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “At the Royal Bank of Scotland, we understand that climate change requires urgent action and new ways of thinking.

“We are proud to invest in high-growth, purpose-led businesses through initiatives including the Net Zero award, recognising the positive impact on entrepreneurs which acts as a force multiplier, benefitting the future of Scotland as a nation.”

Evelyn McDonald, CEO of Scottish EDGE, added: “It has been humbling and rewarding to witness the continued creativity, resourcefulness and resilience of Scottish entrepreneurship, despite the challenging circumstances we find ourselves in.”