Success stories

We've already helped tens of thousands of individuals to start and grow their business. Learn how with our library of success stories.

We've already helped tens of thousands of individuals to start and grow their business. Read on for the full story on some of our most inspiring loan recipients: why they became their own boss, the challenges they faced and overcame along the way and how a Start Up Loan helped them to achieve their dreams.

 
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Start Up Loans

Pluto Pets

Working full time as a veterinarian in Castlewellan, Dr Olivia Clark is well aware of the amount of harmful information even the best-intentioned dog owners can consume on the internet.

Start Up Loans

The Cellar at 24

A renowned restaurant venue in the heart of Anstruther has been given a fresh lease of life with its new owners launching their latest venture, a wine and tapas bar called The Cellar at 24.

Start Up Loans

The Gleevolution Factory

Leicestershire-based learning and development company receives £15,000 funding for marketing and brand development.

Start Up Loans

Boon Boat

A new boat powered by transparent solar glass technology is taking to the waves this summer thanks to funding from the British Business Bank Start Up Loans programme.

Start Up Loans

Frazer’s Coffee Roasters

Frazer’s Coffee Roasters, based in Sheffield, secured a £20,000 Start Up Loan via Business Support Partner Virgin StartUp.

Start Up Loans

House of Glass

Surfing collective House of Glass launch café in Newquay as a community space for surfers, thanks to the Start Up Loans programme.

Start Up Loans

Minnie Me’s

Minnie Me’s, a salon specialising in neurodivergent clients has opened in Somerset, thanks to the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme.

Start Up Loans

Tavistock Brewery

Tavistock Brewery in the village of Peter Tavy, Devon is the brainchild of father-and-son team Richard and Matthew Goslin who felt there was a gap in the market for beer produced in their area.

Start Up Loans

Woof The Yorkshire Dog Shop

Natalie Press is the founder of Woof The Yorkshire Dog Shop (Woof), which sells a wide range of organic, grain-free and sustainable pet products.

Start Up Loans

We Make Footballers

Leon Stapleton, founder of We Make Footballers Cardiff, a football training academy for children aged 4-12. Applying for a £15,000 Start Up Loan meant that Leon was able to launch the first We Make Footballers franchise in Wales.

Start Up Loans

Two Blues Solar

Dan Levene is co-founder of Two Blues Solar, a solar panel installation business which addresses the growing demand for sustainable solutions to help drive the nation's net-zero agenda.

Start Up Loans

Project Harmless

Founder George Greer received a loan from the British Business Bank and Virgin StartUp in September 2022 to expand his line of sustainable dog waste bags, following a surge in demand from consumers in the USA.

Start Up Loans

Moody Cow Nails

27 year old TJ Bouchada, founder of private nail salon Moody Cow Nails. TJ took out her loan of £12,000, via Let’s Do Business Finance, to open her own private nail salon.

Start Up Loans

Krapow Thai Restaurant

Phil enjoyed a 17-year career in the British Army. He met his Thai partner Chanisara seven years ago and that sparked their dream to open a restaurant together. Chanisara started serving her cuisine with a Thai food stall in the town’s central market and discovered that demand was high for her freshly made products.

Start Up Loans

JPC Specialist Motorsports

Paul Connaughton, founder of JPC Specialist Motorsports, a motorsports business set up to raise vital funds for JPC Community Farm.

Start Up Loans

Ikigai

Laura Suominen, the founder of Ikigai, an eco-conscious and Japanese-inspired homeware store, Ikigai The store is located in Leamington Spa, specialises in sourcing Japanese imported homeware items, yukata and otaku products such as official Studio Ghibli Merchandise.

Start Up Loans

Hippy Hut Pottery

Cally James, founder of Hippy Hut Pottery, a ceramics business that offers classes and commissions. Hippy Hut Pottery hosts intimate workshops and hands-on classes for up to eight people, at bespoke studio in Bury St Edmonds.

Start Up Loans

H.E.R Bodywear

Alexandra Perry, founder of H.E.R Bodywear, who designs and sells bodywear for women who have undergone surgery for breast cancer or cosmetic breast surgery.