A Manchester entrepreneur has launched a sustainable fashion brand that transforms discarded tents from UK music festivals into vibrant outdoor clothing, following a five-figure loan from a government-backed scheme.

Reclaim Tentwear, founded by Marlon Bethell (pictured), has secured more than £10,000 from the Start Up Loans programme, delivered by GC Business Finance on behalf of the British Business Bank.

The loan will help accelerate production and marketing as the business scales up.

Bethell’s business was inspired by the environmental cost of abandoned tents, a common sight at major UK festivals each summer. With an estimated 900 tonnes of tents left behind annually, he saw an opportunity to turn waste into wearable goods.

Initially experimenting with designs while studying at university, Bethell formally launched Reclaim Tentwear in 2024, after years of prototyping.

The Start Up Loan has enabled him to acquire a hydraulic press to increase production capacity and develop his marketing strategy.

WATER-RESISTANT DOG COATS

Bethell is also in talks with festival organisers to secure direct access to discarded tents, further embedding circular economy principles in his business model.

A new line of water-resistant dog coats is also in development as part of plans to broaden the product range.

“UK festivals are amazing, but with over 250,000 tents left behind each year, the environmental impact is hard to ignore,” said Bethell.

“I wanted to create something fun and functional that also tackles this issue head-on, and that is exactly what Reclaim Tentwear does.”

He added that the funding came at a “perfect time”, allowing the business to invest in equipment and expand its reach.

“The team at GCBF made the process really straightforward and I’m incredibly grateful for their support in our journey.”

Alex Mearns, head of startup lending at GC Business Finance, praised Bethell’s initiative and drive. “Marlon’s journey from creating clothing on a makeshift table in his garden to leading a thriving business is truly inspiring,” he said.

“His commitment to sustainability and creativity is exactly the type of drive we aim to support through the Start Up Loans programme.”

NET ZERO PUSH

The British Business Bank, which oversees the scheme, said ventures like Reclaim Tentwear play a vital role in supporting local economies and contributing to the UK’s Net Zero ambitions.

“Businesses like his play a crucial role in regional growth and help us to move towards a Net Zero economy,” said Delyth Edwards, senior network manager for the North West at the British Business Bank.

“This is why targeted programmes like Start Up Loans are so important in helping to drive forward this progress, and I’m excited to see where Marlon takes the business next.”