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

Energy Build Southwest

Construction manager Tom Weston has hit the nail on the head with a new business that specialises in green building techniques. He set up Energy Build Southwest, based in Ivybridge, Devon, after securing a £25,000 Start Up Loan the programme’s partner in the South West, SWIG Finance.

Start Up Loans

Evelyn Ecology

Evelyn Ecology Ltd., a Manchester-based ecological consultancy, has secured a total of £12,000 through the Start Up Loans programme, delivered by GC Business Finance (GCBF) on behalf of the British Business Bank.

Start Up Loans

Tŷ Green

An architect from Newport has started an eco-hut business, creating sustainable places and spaces for a variety of purposes following a Start Up Loan.

Start Up Loans

Wuva

Altrincham-based Wuva, a pioneering platform committed to sustainable subscription services, has secured £50,000 of finance from the British Business Bank through Virgin Startup. The investment catapults Wuva into a new phase of expansion, poised to reshape the landscape of conscious consumerism.

Start Up Loans

Mama Bobo Africa

A Nigerian restaurant owner has been amazed at just how popular traditional African cuisine has become with Northern Ireland diners. Mama Bobo Africa thriving after receiving support from Start Up Loans.



Start Up Loans

Lyme bay Seafood Company

Learn how Simon Baker started their business Lyme bay Seafood Company with help from a loan from Start Up Loans.

Start Up Loans

Vessel Ceramics

Learn how Jilly Russell started their business Vessel Ceramics with help from a loan from Start Up Loans.

Start Up Loans

The Business of Mindfulness

Learn how Chris Hopkirk started their business The Business of Mindfulness with help from a loan from Start Up Loans.

Start Up Loans

Hello Good Pie

Learn how Clare Lewis started her business Hello Good Pie with help from a loan from Start Up Loans.

Start Up Loans

Turn Your Business Round

Learn how Brigitte Dove started their business Turn Your Business Round with help from a loan from Start Up Loans.

Start Up Loans

The Wine Hall

Learn how Vanessa Tortella started their business The Wine Hall with help from a loan from Start Up Loans.

Start Up Loans

Bliss Retreats

Learn how Joanne Jepson started their business Bliss Retreats with help from a loan from Start Up Loans.

Start Up Loans

EZ Hampers

Lisa Storey, founder of EZ Hampers, a sustainable gift company which sources sustainable products solely from positive impact businesses.

Start Up Loans

Zig and Zag Handmade

Learn how Jane Henderson Forrest started their business Zig and Zag Handmade with help from a loan from Start Up Loans.

Start Up Loans

ClelandRenwick

Learn how Alison McAtamney started their business ClelandRenwick with help from a loan from Start Up Loans.

Start Up Loans

Flowerhorn Brewery

Cardiff craft brewery blooms following second Start Up Loan. Best friends and co-founders of Flowerhorn Brewery look to expand offering.

Start Up Loans

Dreams Come True Parties

Hannah Ballinger from Gloucestershire used a £5,000 Start Up Loan, provided through BizBritain, to found Dreams Come True Parties. Hannah dresses up as one of seven well known princesses to bring a touch of magic and sparkle to any children’s event across Gloucestershire and Herefordshire.

Start Up Loans

Ardmore Shepherd’s Hut

A Gen Z 23-year-old hotel worker is embarking on her own hospitality venture, after securing funding to purchase and restore a rustic shepherd’s hut on the North Coast 500.