The Silicone Straw Co began with a simple frustration: soggy paper straws. Founder Charlotte Walsh wanted a durable, safe and pleasant-to-use alternative for her family. When she couldn’t find one, she created it, launching the UK’s first reusable silicone drinking straw.
Founded in 2019, and starting from her home office in the Yorkshire Dales, Charlotte manufactured her first batch of white silicone straws and hand‑packed each order. After early success, and the support of her local Business Advisor and the UK Shared prosperity Fund, Charlotte streamlined her dispatching process, expand her product line, and investigate new markets.
A turning point came when Charlotte introduced a portable travel tin to the range, which quickly became a bestseller and helped propel the business forward.
Today, the company’s products are stocked by Oxfam and selected National Trust shops. Charlotte continues to run the company herself, working with local small businesses for additional support. Many products are still hand-packed in North Yorkshire, maintaining the brand’s commitment to UK-based production.
The Challenge
With demand growing in the UK, Charlotte set her sights on international markets - an important step but a challenging one for a small business. Breaking into global markets typically requires presence at trade shows, where exhibition costs can exceed £5,000. With a wholesale price of around £2.50 per straw, achieving a return on investment is difficult, particularly while maintaining UK manufacturing.
External factors also created obstacles. The resurgence of plastic straws in the US and shifting international tariffs made entry into some markets more complex. Despite these challenges, Charlotte remained determined to grow her exports, especially across Europe.
The Solution:
Charlotte received personalised one‑to‑one support from Michaela Young, her local Business North Yorkshire business adviser at North Yorkshire Council. Michaela helped build Charlotte’s confidence in exporting, guided her through available support options, and encouraged her to apply for help-to-export grants that could reduce the cost of exhibiting internationally.
With this guidance, Charlotte successfully secured funding that enabled her to attend two international trade shows within a twelve‑month period which provided opportunities she had previously considered financially out of reach.
Impact and Community Engagement
The results were significant. The Silicone Straw Co increased its exporting activity by over 50%, directly linked to the relationships formed at trade shows. At an international trade fair in London in January 2026, Charlotte secured strong orders, gained at least two new international stockists, and initiated promising discussions with distributors in Greece.
Beyond commercial growth, the case highlights the importance of local support. Working closely with her Business North Yorkshire Advisor and partnering with nearby small businesses showcases how regional collaboration can help micro-businesses thrive.
Charlotte reflects on the impact of the support:
“When you are running a business on your own, every big decision feels personal. Trade shows are expensive, margins are tight, and some days you wonder if it’s worth the risk, especially when you manufacture in the UK. Michaela’s support made a huge difference. She helped me see that international growth was possible and encouraged me to apply for export grants I probably wouldn’t have gone for on my own. Because of that, I’ve been able to attend trade shows, meet international buyers and grow exports by more than fifty percent. I am really grateful for her guidance and encouragement"
Image source: Silicone Straw Co
