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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

London Sock Company

Ryan Palmer took out a loan of £25,000 in 2014 to launch the London Sock Company, a premium sock brand founded with the mission “to inspire everyone to Walk Brighter, embracing that uplifting moment when you pull your socks up each and every morning”.

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Ocushield

Dhruvin Patel took out a Start Up Loan of £500 through business support partner Virgin StartUp in 2015 to start his business Ocushield, an innovative line of products designed to protect eyes from the harmful blue light emitted by screens.

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Essence of Hartland

Previously working in marketing technology in London, but always having had a side-interest in naturally sourced products, when Joe left his London job in 2019 he decided it was the perfect time to pursue his dream of being his own boss.

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Mistral

Julie Di Toro and her partner, Sam Barker, took out a Start Up Loan in two parts in August and September 2020 to launch Mistral, an independent wine shop.

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Floris

Aoife Doherty set up her business in November 2020 after graduating from the University of Reading with a BA Hons in Graphic Design.

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Healthy Nibbles

Sara Roberts used a £20,000 Start Up Loan to launch Healthy Nibbles, the UK’s first healthy vending machine company that offers healthy products and locally sourced snacks.

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Cod of Duty

Matthew Martin and his wife, Corina Martin, launched Cod of Duty, a mobile Fish and Chips food truck, in December 2020 using two £17,000 Start Up Loans.

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Celebrating Curves

Jane Palmer, 53, took out a £25,000 Start Up Loan in 2015 to launch Celebrating Curves, a bridal wear business for plus-size brides based in Sheffield.

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BOXD Health

Double act, Jamal Ramsay and Jamal Ayton-Brown, took out two loans of £24,988 each in June 2020 to launch BOXD Health, a business selling sustainable protein and wellness shakes specifically designed for women.

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Silverbirch Woodcraft

Peter Rogers took out a loan of £10,000 in 2021 to launch Silverbirch Woodcraft, an online store selling bespoke and restored handmade furniture.

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Ty Melin

Helen Conway alongside her daughter Angharad and son-in-law Lance, launched their bakery business Ty Melin Bakery during coronavirus lockdown in March 2020. The trio had discussed starting a family venture for several years and had had an initial business plan drafted for over 2 ½ years.

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Northern Cure

After meeting while working as pizza chefs together, Alex McKay and Douglas Staton wanted to channel their strong passion for food into an idea for a business. Spotting a gap in the market for locally sourced, high-welfare, traditionally cured charcuterie meats, Alex and business partner Doug launched Manchester-based Northern Cure in early 2020.

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Solo Coffee

Former baristas Theo Garcia, 24, and Alex Foss Sims, 29, met while working in a coffee shop in Gloucestershire. They started producing bottled, chilled coffee after noticing a growing demand for cold brew amongst coffee lovers.

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Geotekk

Falling victim to bike theft led former Royal Marine Commando and Doctor of Medicine, Dr Matthew James Leach (33), to develop an innovative smart alarm for bikes and motorbikes.

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BTS Concept Store

After the loss of her brother in 2011 Tracy McAllister began to question if she was living life to the full. Losing her job in 2013 gave her the push she needed to follow her dreams and set up her coastal interiors boutique.

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Meltdown Cheese Café

Entrepreneur, Laura Lautrete, is bringing a new culinary concept to Chester with the launch of her grilled cheese café, Meltdown, thanks to a Start Up Loan provided via Delivery Partner GC Business Finance (formerly Business Finance Solutions).

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Chips & Gravy Studios

Chips & Gravy Studios create some truly stunning work for businesses such as web design, logo design, business branding and motion graphics.

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JimJams

A day in the life…running a health-conscious jams and spreads business. It’s often said that great business ideas solve a problem. I completely stand by this.