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

Thornley’s

Gail Brown started her natural food business, Thornleys, in May 2013 with the help of a Start Up Loan.

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

Caffe Venecia

Tony Singh was unemployed before starting his own business, Caffe Venecia, in the centre of Huddersfield in November 2013.

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

Bird & Blend Tea Co.

Mike Turner and his partner Krisi started their Brighton-based tea mixology company, Bird & Blend Tea Co., with the help of a Start Up Loan.

Start Up Loans

Rockflower

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

Start Up Loans

Field Scope International

Peter Chulu received a Start Up Loan in 2013 to help develop his global market research service company, Field Scope International Ltd. Peter provides healthcare research for pharmaceutical companies in the big 5 EU markets (Germany, Spain, England, France and Italy).

Start Up Loans

Cornwall Camper Company

The Cornwall Camper Company, founded by Start Up Loan recipient Jess Ratty, is a VW Camper van hire business aimed at being part of a new wave of tourism in the South West.

Start Up Loans

Shortcuts Children’s Salon

Father of two David O’Neal opened his children’s hair salon Shortcuts with the help of a Start Up Loan.

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

Superior Bathrooms

Sharon Shearer launched her business Superior Bathrooms when she was made redundant, using her career expertise to get her started.

Start Up Loans

Eclipse Property

Allen started his property management company Eclipse Property Cornwall, with the help of a £10,000 Start Up Loan, to become our 10,000th business backed.

Start Up Loans

How I started selling abroad – Seaweed & Co

Seaweed & Co, was founded by Craig Rose with the help of a Start Up Loan. Based in North Shields, this international seaweed seller is all about what Craig describes as ‘the most exciting superfood around.’