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

Limitless

Francis Harwood, founder of Limitless is a Start Up Loans recipient. Francis took out his first loan of £10,000 via Let’s Do Business group when he was 23 years old. He took out a second loan of £5,000 in October 2023, when he was 24 years old.

Start Up Loans

Revive Pro

William Tansley, aged 24, recently received £15,000 in September 2023 as part of the Start Up Loans programme for his family-run professional cleaning and restoration business, Revive Pro.

Start Up Loans

Techie Services

Cory Hibbin, aged 20, is just one of these recipients. He took out a loan in March 2023 of £14,500 to launch Techie Services. The company, based in Hastings, offers security solutions for residential clients, estates and corporate buildings, including CCTV, alarm systems and network management.

Start Up Loans

Naked Ape Brands

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.

Start Up Loans

Hand-i-Craft

Leo Winstanley founded Hand-i-Craft, based in Formby, after losing the ability to use his dominant hand and arm in a car accident. Now, it is a successful woodworking shop, stocking handmade items, finishes and accessories that are sold online.

Start Up Loans

Trapped Animal Records

Joel Clayton from Cambridge received a loan through delivery partner Transmit Start-Ups in 2019, which he used to establish a record label, Trapped Animal Records, with two other musicians.

Start Up Loans

My Language Connection

Glasgow-based Victoria Nicol was 28 when she received a Start Up Loan to help grow her language translation business, My Language Connection. With loan funding supporting investment in new technology, the organisation has since gone on to triple its headcount and expand its reach to serve international clients.

Start Up Loans

Elphius Flux

Elphius Flux is an upcycling business, specialising in industrial and modern furniture. Based in Chesterfield, Jason and Gwen Hopkinson create bespoke, custom-made furniture from salvaged and reclaimed materials.

Start Up Loans

Shakehaus

Margarita Veberaite and fellow co-founders, Josefa Celestin and Fraser Stephen launched their business, Shakehaus in April 2016. A creative video and production agency based in Edinburgh. All three partners each received funding from Start Up Loans to help them launch the business.

Start Up Loans

Peach Blossom

Alyssa launched her business, Peach Blossom, in March 2015. She works at the business full-time and currently employs an assistant on a part-time basis.

Start Up Loans

Unbxd

William Ferrieira and his business partner, William Niven started up their independent creative agency, Unbxd in September 2015.

Start Up Loans

North 55 Gallery

Inga Irvine opened her art gallery, North 55 Falmouth, with the help of a £6,500 Start up Loan.

Start Up Loans

Atomica Gallery

Orla Bennett along with her co-founder Holly Lander, launched Atomica Gallery in 2012 as a pop-up in Shoreditch, East London.

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.