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

Meame

Meame is design performance fashion for both fashion conscious and discerning cyclists. Founders Megan Aylott and husband Stephen Azancot wanted to create clothing that was both functional and fashionable for the wearer.

Start Up Loans

Smartzer

Karoline Gross always wanted to do her own thing and Start Up Loans helped her do just that.

Start Up Loans

Pip and Nut

Standing out from the competition can be hard for a small business, especially when the number of competitors is constantly increasing.

Start Up Loans

KupKase

With Kupkase it’s personal. They’re not just a pretty cake.

Start Up Loans

Pip Howeson London

Pip Howeson is dedicated to the rejuvenation of the British textile industry, offering a bespoke tailoring service of handcrafted coats and jackets.

Start Up Loans

Decorator’s Notebook

Decorator’s Notebook is an online shop selling design-led home accessories made by social enterprises, fair trade groups and artisanal co-operatives around the world. Their aim is to show that beautiful design and ethical production can go hand-in-hand.

Start Up Loans

Rockflower

Start Up Loan recipient Andrew McAlpine took out a loan to help develop his flower kiosk, Rockflower.

Start Up Loans

Art In Offices

Katie Henry received a Start Up Loan to help develop her business Art in Offices,providing contemporary art at affordable prices to fill empty office walls.

Start Up Loans

Neo-Slip

Neomi Bennett received a £9,900 Start Up Loan to help develop her anti embolism stocking aid, Neo-Slip.

Start Up Loans

Claudi & Fin

Lucy & Meriel both received a Start Up Loan of £7,000 for their frozen yoghurt ice lolly business Claudi & Fin.

After winning the ‘PitchUp to Sainsbury’s’ competition in 2013, the lollies are now stocked in over 700 stores across the UK and Ireland. We spoke to co-founder Lucy Woodhouse about her startup experience of finding workspace and how it has changed as the business has developed.

Start Up Loans

Grace Gordon

Grace Gordon is the founder of her eponymous label, an independent women’s leather goods brand designed and made in Britain.