First aid business receives investment boost

A Yorkshire-based first aid training company is set to expand its operations and product range following a significant investment.

Leeds-headquartered Mini First Aid, founded by Kate Ball nine years ago following a personal tragedy, has grown into a nationwide operation with over 70 franchises delivering an “innovative” and “memorable” style of first aid training to families, children and workplaces.

The £100,000 investment from Finance Yorkshire’s loan fund will support Mini First Aid’s plans to develop new products and expand its team, including the addition of a marketing manager.

Kate, who runs the business alongside her husband Matt, said: “My aim has been to build a brand providing first aid training which is memorable.

“All Mini First Aid classes are a brilliant learning experience – they are hands-on with skills taught in a way that people will remember should they need to put them into practice.”

The company currently trains around 1,000 families weekly and offers a range of branded first aid kits alongside reusable gel packs.

Kate and Matt are now working with leading charities and the NHS to provide fully funded classes for low-income families.

Kate, who was named Yorkshire Businesswoman of the Year 2024, added: “Only 10 per cent of new parents are learning first aid so the opportunity to grow Mini First Aid in the UK is massive.

“There is also the potential for us to roll out our training model in other countries.”

Finance Yorkshire’s business loans fund is part of a wider regional investment fund which is expected to provide more than £50 million to SMEs over five years. Investment is also available from its seedcorn and growth funds. 

Alex McWhirter, chief executive officer of Finance Yorkshire, added: “Under Kate’s leadership, Mini First Aid has become a widely recognised brand delivering vital life skills to people of all ages.

“We are pleased to support the Mini First Aid team in their ambitions to grow further by reaching more people with their innovative style of first aid training.”

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