Alex Gibson to launch Beach Bacchanal swimwear range

A student at The University of Manchester is to launch a business dedicated to providing fashionable swimwear for ladies with curvaceous figures.

Alex Gibson, 22, who has been learning business skills at Manchester Business School’s Manchester Enterprise Centre, will start production this month.

She will graduate with a Master of Enterprise in December.

After submitting a business plan for her range called Beach Bacchanal, she has been offered a Government loan of £2,500 from a £180m fund to help start-ups and small businesses grow.

She has been working hard to combine her studies with establishing a business and is confident there is significant demand for her product.

The brand, which allows customers to customize their swimwear, was also a runner up in The University of Manchester's annual business plan competition Venture Further.

She said: “Beach Bacchanal is a D Plus cup swimwear brand which offers styles which are normally only available for women with smaller sized breasts.

“In fact, women with bigger breasts suffer from a lack of choice. I should know as a 30H its something that I have struggled with myself.

“It’s been hard to find comfortable swimwear that isn’t boring and dowdy - so I thought I’d do something about it.”

She added: “The course has been fantastic in teaching all the vital skills needed to start a business; from finances to market analyses and business models to implementation issues.

“However I have been most impressed with the attitude of the lecturers and will always be very grateful for their help and support.

“They always encourage us whenever we lack confidence in our abilities and are keen to work with us towards our visions.

“The course has given me real confidence in my ideas and abilities as well as the company of some of the most interesting and 'go-getting' students I have ever met during my studies.”