Success stories

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

Blake Bentley, aged 22, took out a £5,000 loan for his business, The Scran Man, in March 2021.The business, based in Great Barr in Birmingham, is dedicated to bringing customers authentic, fresh and tasty American street food such as Philly cheesesteaks, fried chicken and signature burgers.

Lords Automotive, a mobile car detailing company based in Worcestershire, has landed £13,000 funding from First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans, under the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme

Worcester based Murcott Energy is an engineering company that designs and produces small wind turbines for temporary power application.

Aitanna set up her business in 2022 and took out a Start Up Loan of £14,500 this year to expand it due to its success.

Lifted Drinks took out their loan of £25,000 in May 2023. Lifted Drinks, based in Staffordshire, creates an alcohol-free beer that offers the taste of the beverage while incorporating the post-workout benefits of a protein shake.

Nirmla Warwood took out a loan of £25,000 in 2020 to set-up and operate interior accessories company Thatch & Stone.

Alan Lock and business partner John Mercer took out a loan of £15,000 in February 2020 to support the growth of Icarus Originals, a company founded on the premise of giving decommissioned aircraft a new life by turning them into bespoke, handmade jewellery and accessories – making memories out of icons.

Michael Hughes secured £7,000 from Start Up Loans – through The Hub – to launch a new service providing respite and mentoring sessions for young people with autism.

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.

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

JC Social Media, founded by Jodie Cook when she was 22, turns 6 years old in August 2017. Based in Birmingham city centre, their team of 14 provide social media training and management services to local and international clients, including the likes of Nandos and Mariott Hotels.

Read 40 St Pauls's story and learn how Start Up Loans helped them.

Brian Stoneman secured a Start Up Loan of £6,600 in March 2017 to put towards the running of Academy ICT. The business provides IT solutions for schools via a range of different services.

Steve Wileman used funding from the Start Up Loans scheme to help co-found the eLearning consultancy business, Enlighten-Ac. Steve and his business partner Suzanne Edwards have a passion for educational solutions, and, along with their lead content developer Billy, and their technical knowledge they constantly exceed customer expectations. They offer eLearning solutions customised to each of their clients’ visions, which can include everything from course writing to augmented and virtual reality services.

Deborah and Elena Melkis used a Start Up Loan to open their Meze Greek Restaurant in Ellesmere, North Shropshire, and work at the business full-time.