Government backed Start Up Loans scheme launches Ambassador programme to showcase success stories
- Six businesses selected as standout loan recipients
- Launch event takes place at Houses of Parliament on 8th June
- Scheme has delivered more than 37,000 loans bringing its lending total to more than £210million
The Start Up Loans Company (SULCo) is celebrating the achievements of British startup businesses with the launch of its Ambassador programme.
The programme will showcase some of the Government-backed scheme’s top success stories and inspiring loan recipients. They will be honoured at a dedicated reception on 8th June, at the Houses of Parliament in London.
Six standout businesses have been selected to represent the Start Up Loans as scheme Ambassadors.
The Westminster reception will begin with a panel discussion chaired by Start Up Loans Scheme’s CEO Tim Sawyer. Tim will be joined by senior Ministers, who helped launched the Start Up Loans Scheme in 2012 to champion British microbusinesses, local MP’s, and representatives from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) as well as other Senior Government Officials.
Minister for Small Business Anna Soubry said:
“Small firms are the beating heart of our economy. We now have a record 5.3 million of them, creating jobs and driving innovation. The Start Up Loans Company has awarded more than 37,000 loans worth over £200 million, but I want to see more people taking control and starting their own businesses. The new Ambassador programme recognises success and will help encourage more people to take the leap and turn their dreams into a reality.”
Tim Sawyer, CEO of Start Up Loans Company, said:
“The launch of our Ambassador programme is an opportunity to pay tribute to the entrepreneurial great-British public who have taken the steps to launch their own businesses. Starting out on your own is no mean feat, but what budding business owners need to remember is there are multiple support networks out there to make it a far less daunting experience, and provide the guidance and support necessary to help you make your start-up goals a reality.”
The launch of the Ambassador programme comes as The Start Up Loans Company delivers over 37,000 loans to British start ups, bringing the total it has lent so far to more than £210million.
Start Up Loans Company provides loans of up to £25,000 at 6% APR, as well as offering dedicated mentoring to each business it supports.
One of this year’s Ambassadors, Claudi & Fin, an all-natural frozen lolly brand made from 100% natural Greek-style yoghurt and real fruit, was set up in May 2014 by friends Meriel Kehoe, 41, and Lucy Betterton, 42, with the support of a £14,000 Government-backed Start Up Loan.
In just two years the business has secured listings with major retailers including Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Ocado and Budgens, as well as Dunnes and Supervalu in the Republic of Ireland. It has recently developed an exclusive mini-variant of its lolly with Tesco, as part of its latest contract win which saw its new product stocked in 440 stores nationwide.