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Harry James Group Helping to Drive Forward UK Progress on Net Zero

Press release 07 November 2024

The Harry James Group serves as inspiration for existing or aspiring business owners, of any age and at any stage of their sustainability journey.

Harry James Group, a Newcastle-based global recruitment firm focused on renewable energy job placements, secured a £15,000 Start Up Loan in 2020.

The business was founded by Richard Horncastle in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. After both Richard and his wife were made redundant within 24 hours of each other, the pair decided to set up Harry James Group to create their own jobs.

With the support of the Start Up Loans programme, the business is now a provider of renewable energy talent solutions. It operates across industries that are helping the planet become more sustainable including solar, wind, energy storage, e-mobility and ESG investment.

Richard Horncastle, The Harry James Group

Richard Horncastle, founder of Harry James Group, said:

After being made redundant during the Covid-19 pandemic, setting up Harry James Group was a last roll of the dice effort to create our own jobs. Despite setting up the business in one of the most difficult periods for recruitment, with the support of the Start Up Loans programme we have been able to create a thriving business that is now operating globally.

Our business is supporting innovative companies with their recruitment while helping the UK become more sustainable. Renewable energy is a huge focus of ours and we are proud to be making a positive difference to these businesses. We’re incredibly grateful to the support the Start Up Loan provided us, helping us get our business off the ground.

The number of economically inactive people has been on the rise across the UK. Using a Start Up Loan is a viable alternative to employment. Since its inception, the programme has provided 294 loans worth £2.8m to those who were unemployed or economically inactive in the North East.

Start Up Loans is committed to funding groups in society who would otherwise struggle to access finance, including those who are economically inactive, young and out of education, or those post-retirement.

Richard Bearman, Managing Director, Small Business Lending at the British Business Bank said:

We are immensely proud to support the entrepreneurial spirit within communities that traditionally face barriers to financing. Providing nearly £3m of funding to unemployed or economically inactive business owners in the North East is a great validation of the difference Start Up Loans can make. It is our firm belief that by providing access to financing, we are not only fostering innovation but also empowering individuals to create sustainable enterprises that contribute positively to our economy and society.

Richard, has now established a thriving, eco-conscious business, demonstrating the transformative impact of the Start Up Loans programme.

Smaller businesses can find a wealth of independent and impartial information to support their transition to net zero via the British Business Bank’s Finance Hub.

The British Business Bank’s 2021 Smaller businesses and the transition to net zero report found that smaller businesses account for around half of UK business greenhouse gas emissions.

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