Show notes
Jun 2, 2025
On this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Lorraine Allman, a purpose-driven entrepreneur and the founder of Party Without Plastic – a marketplace for sustainable, plastic-free party supplies that launched in spring 2024 and is already on an exciting growth trajectory.
Lorraine brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, having built and scaled multiple ventures. In this insightful and honest discussion, she shares the highs and lows of her journey so far, from funding challenges to transitioning from founder-led to team-based operations, all while keeping a firm eye on purpose, sustainability, and profit.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- How Party Without Plastic curates sustainable party products from UK-based small businesses
- Why building a scalable technical infrastructure took nine months – and was absolutely worth it
- The commission-based marketplace model that only charges sellers when sales are made
- Lorraine’s top tips for securing external investment, including aligning on values and vision
- The power of social proof, including accreditations like the Global Good Market, in customer acquisition
- The challenges of scaling a team, maintaining brand consistency, and managing time effectively
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For now, continue listening for the full story from Lorraine.
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Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that’s you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat.
Lorraine can be found here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineallman/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/party-without-plastic/
https://www.instagram.com/plasticfreeparty/
lorraine@partywithoutplastic.com
Resources:
The Brand Is Female podcast - https://www.thebrandisfemale.com/
Let My People Go Surfing podcast - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6KgNYkTEcBqLboNzX2AkJS
It Really Is Just Good Business By Jill Poet - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/it-really-is-just-good-business-the-art-of-operating-a-responsible-ethical-and-profitable-small-business-jill-poet/7354896?ean=9781803411941