Success stories

Dorset-based sustainable plastics manufacturer, Circular11, has received a £21k Start Up Loan boost via SWIG Finance.

A family-run raw milk micro dairy in Cornwall has received a boost thanks to the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, via Business Support Partner Business Enterprise Fund.

A group of four friends have joined forces to launch BKW CrossFit, a new community-based gym in East Bristol, with the help of a Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank.

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.

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

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

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.

Joel Jones, 24, from Cornwall applied for a £20,000 Start Up Loan, provided through SWIG Finance, to convert a classic VW campervan into a mobile cocktail bar and launch his business, The Mixer, aimed at weddings and parties.

Former RAF Senior Aircraftman Emma Swiggs opened the Dandelion Coffee House thanks to a £6000 Start Up Loan from X-Forces Enterprise.

Naked Ape Brands received their two Start Up Loans via SWIG Finance and were first attracted to taking out a Start Up Loan because it is government backed.

Starting with an online business during the pandemic, Bex opened her first store in Nansledan near Newquay in 2021, selling hand-picked vintage items alongside sustainably produced new brands. She relocated to a brand new shop in Nansledan over the summer and has just opened a sister store, Love of Vintage, in the same complex.

Pets and Picasso received a £25,000 loan in June this year. The community interest company (CIC), set up by Anna Corwood and her partner Luke Gash, aims to provide animal and art assisted therapy to local people living with a wide range of health conditions.

Learn more about Rose & Mary Cosmetics a vegan, sustainable and holistic line of products, which are all handmade.

Learn more about Bar Buoy a cocktail manufacturer in Exmouth that received £50k from Start Up Loan funding to scale up their business.

A Somerset environmental entrepreneur has received a £20k Start Up Loan to scale-up their burgeoning rewilding business.

Hannah Saunders took out a £14,700 loan in 2020 to launch Toddle Born Wild, a natural vegan children skincare brand.

Luke took out a loan of £21,000 Start Up Loan in January 2021 to launch Bijimini Spices, a company selling high protein spices made from crickets.

Siblings Albert, Betty and Minnie Alexander took out a loan of £22,000 in 2021 to launch Kitty’s Herbery, a perfumery based in Bude, Cornwall.