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

Woof The Yorkshire Dog Shop

Natalie Press is the founder of Woof The Yorkshire Dog Shop (Woof), which sells a wide range of organic, grain-free and sustainable pet products.

Start Up Loans

We Make Footballers

Leon Stapleton, founder of We Make Footballers Cardiff, a football training academy for children aged 4-12. Applying for a £15,000 Start Up Loan meant that Leon was able to launch the first We Make Footballers franchise in Wales.

Start Up Loans

Two Blues Solar

Dan Levene is co-founder of Two Blues Solar, a solar panel installation business which addresses the growing demand for sustainable solutions to help drive the nation's net-zero agenda.

Start Up Loans

Project Harmless

Founder George Greer received a loan from the British Business Bank and Virgin StartUp in September 2022 to expand his line of sustainable dog waste bags, following a surge in demand from consumers in the USA.

Start Up Loans

Moody Cow Nails

27 year old TJ Bouchada, founder of private nail salon Moody Cow Nails. TJ took out her loan of £12,000, via Let’s Do Business Finance, to open her own private nail salon.

Start Up Loans

Krapow Thai Restaurant

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.

Start Up Loans

JPC Specialist Motorsports

Paul Connaughton, founder of JPC Specialist Motorsports, a motorsports business set up to raise vital funds for JPC Community Farm.

Start Up Loans

Ikigai

Laura Suominen, the founder of Ikigai, an eco-conscious and Japanese-inspired homeware store, Ikigai The store is located in Leamington Spa, specialises in sourcing Japanese imported homeware items, yukata and otaku products such as official Studio Ghibli Merchandise.

Start Up Loans

Hippy Hut Pottery

Cally James, founder of Hippy Hut Pottery, a ceramics business that offers classes and commissions. Hippy Hut Pottery hosts intimate workshops and hands-on classes for up to eight people, at bespoke studio in Bury St Edmonds.

Start Up Loans

H.E.R Bodywear

Alexandra Perry, founder of H.E.R Bodywear, who designs and sells bodywear for women who have undergone surgery for breast cancer or cosmetic breast surgery.

Start Up Loans

Bang Bang Boxing

Jamie Parker, founder of Bang Bang Boxing, a community boxing gym in Devon. With the enthusiastic support of the local community, the army veteran transformed a derelict building, to create the first dedicated boxing gym in the heart of Crediton.

Start Up Loans

Clevelli Bay

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.

Start Up Loans

Circular11

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

Start Up Loans

Ashlia

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.

Start Up Loans

Proper Cornish Milk

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.

Start Up Loans

Big Golf Tours

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.

Start Up Loans

Vicky’s Brasserie

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

Start Up Loans

Melin Llynon

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