Success stories

Eco-friendly household cleaning brand, Clevelli Bay, has been launched by a neurodivergent entrepreneur, inspired by Richard Branson’s stories about dyslexia and success, with the help of a £25,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank.

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

A family-run occasion wear rental service has moved into a new boutique in Muir of Ord on the Black Isle, offering luxury outfits at a fraction of their retail price to hire for special events.

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 53-year-old self-taught golfer is hoping to share his newfound passion for the sport with other golf novices in an accessible, beginner-friendly format with the launch of a new business venture, Big Golf Tours.

The Start-Up Loan allowed Ferris to completely refurbish the Grade II building and the restaurant opened for business in December 2023.

Restoration of Wales’ last working windmill sees sails turn again on Ynys Môn. Melin Llynon is restored to former glory following funding from Isle of Anglesey County Council and British Business Bank

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.

Phil enjoyed a 17-year career in the British Army. He met his Thai partner Chanisara seven years ago and that sparked their dream to open a restaurant together. Chanisara started serving her cuisine with a Thai food stall in the town’s central market and discovered that demand was high for her freshly made products. The Start Up Loan of £24,000 they secured via X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) was key to making their dream a reality.

Moko Physiotherapy, a Derbyshire based physiotherapy and sports massage clinic, has secured £30,000 funding from First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans, under the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, to refurbish its new premises.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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