Maven backs Lemon & Lime with six-figure funding through MEIF II

Lemon & Lime, a home staging business based in Melbourne, Derbyshire, has secured a six-figure debt funding package from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II (MEIF II) via Fund Manager for the East and South East Midlands, Maven.

Founded in 2015 by Elaine Penhaul, Lemon & Lime specialises in professional home staging for high-end residential properties. The business has staged over 1,500 homes to date, working with estate agents, developers and homeowners to help properties sell faster. 

As a recognised authority in the sector and bestselling author of two home-staging books, Sell High, Sell Fast and How to Sell Your House, Elaine has played a central role in contributing to the industry. She also educates sellers and agents on the commercial value of staging while driving broader market adoption.

Maven first backed the business last year, when Lemon & Lime became the 100th company to receive funding from Maven through the first Midlands Engine Investment Fund. The funding supported the business as it expanded its senior team, grew its service offering, and invested in marketing, helping to strengthen its national footprint.

Now celebrating over a decade in operation, Lemon & Lime has continued to scale and evolve, positioning itself as a leading voice in the property staging industry.

The funding will support a recruitment drive to create new jobs and help launch the company’s franchise model, this new model will enable the business to meet this demand more efficiently, expanding its reach across the UK.

Elaine Penhaul, Founder and Managing Director of Lemon & Lime

“Our focus has always been on helping clients achieve the best possible results when selling their homes. Thanks to Maven’s continued support, we’re now in a position to grow our team and bring our services to new locations through a franchise model, something we believe will set a new standard in the industry."

Elaine Penhaul, Founder and Managing Director of Lemon & Lime

“Lemon & Lime is a well-established and forward-thinking business led by an experienced and ambitious founder. Elaine and her team are reshaping how property is marketed, offering clear value to both sellers and agents. This latest funding round aligns well with the objectives of the Fund, supporting the growth of innovative businesses across the Midlands and enabling them to scale sustainably, create jobs and enhance regional economic impact.”

Richard Brighty, Investment Manager at Maven

“Lemon & Lime has demonstrated impressive growth within just a year of securing funding from the first Midlands Engine Investment Fund. Now in its 10th year of operation, this latest round of funding will support the company’s continued growth through team expansion and the launch of a new franchise model. We’re thrilled to support Lemon & Lime meet rising industry demand and scale the business even further."

David Tindall, Senior Investment Manager at British Business Bank

This latest investment adds to a growing list of businesses backed by MEIF II - Debt Finance East and South East Midlands. To date, the Fund has backed a diverse range of businesses including, TextureJet, a deep tech business, Sunset Commercial, a commercial brokerage business, Panoramix, an IP law firm, Advance Tapes, an independent adhesive tapes manufacturer, DUKE Distribution, a logistics and trackway installation provider and Vision4Sport, a sports hospitality specialist.

As Fund Manager of MEIF II - Debt Finance East and South East Midlands, Maven can provide business loans from £100,000 to £2 million to support both earlier and later stage businesses with real growth potential across a range of sectors. If your business, or the business you advise, is considering debt finance to support future growth please, click here.