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Start Up Loans Delivery Partner Awards 2019: Winners Announced

The winners of the 2019 Start Up Loans Delivery Partner Awards were announced last night at a special event in London.

Thursday 5 December 2019

The awards celebrate the important role that Start Up Loans network of Delivery Partner organisations play in helping aspiring business owners to follow their passions and become their own boss.

Delivery Partners provide advice to support applicants with their loan application to help them get into the best position for success. They also provide mentoring to guide loan recipients through the early stages of their business journey.

Richard Bearman, Managing Director, Start Up Loans, said: “Our network of Delivery Partners across the UK is critical to the success of the Start Up Loans.

“We are thrilled to honour their hard work and the results they achieve in helping new businesses to start and grow. Congratulations to our winners and to all our partners and the businesses they have supported for their fantastic achievements in 2019.”

The winners of this year’s Start Up Loans Delivery Partner Awards are:

Start Up Business of the Year: LoveRose Lingerie

Richard Bearman presenting a certificate to LoveRose Lingerie founder Caroline Alexander

Founder Caroline Alexander, from Edinburgh, worked with Transmit Start-Ups to secure her Start Up Loan and launch her business, which makes fashionable yet practical clothes for women following breast cancer surgery.

As well as selling products, her website also provides a forum for women to share their experiences and personal journeys.

Judges commended her for showing creativity, innovation and ambition along with sound business planning.

Runner-up: Green Cow Dairy Ltd – founders Deborah Bailey and Christopher Holness, from Truro, worked with SWIG Finance to secure their Start Up Loan, in order to buy part of an existing business, specifically a milk bottling plant.

Growth Business of the Year 2019: Ekkist

Anthony Turner presenting a certificate to Ekkist Ltd

Founders Jonathan Baker and Olga Turner, from Surrey, worked with Let’s Do Business Group to secure their Start Up Loan and launch their consultancy firm, which specialises in offering design services that improve the health and quality of life in houses and offices across Britain.

Runner-up: Sewport – founder Boriss Hodakels, from London, worked with Alison Lewy of Fashion Angel to develop an innovative online sourcing platform for designers.

Social Enterprise of the Year 2019: Kings

Sophia Browne presenting a certificate to Virgin StartUp

Founder Blue O’Connor, from Bristol, worked with Virgin StartUp to secure his Start Up Loan and launch his business, which provides ethical aftershave, fragrance and grooming products for men.

Blue was recognised for his commitment to raising awareness for men’s mental health, having set up a network called Talk Club encouraging men to share their struggles and experiences with mental health.

Runner-up: Omnis Circumvado CiC – founder, Richard Szostak, from West Yorkshire, worked with Transmit Start-Ups to launch his business, which hosts adapted sport and PE sessions for special education needs schools, community groups and local authorities.

Business Adviser of the Year 2019: Dawn Horsley of Let’s Do Business Group

Louise McCoy presenting a certificate to Dawn Horsley

This award is given to the adviser who has gone that extra mile to support their customers.

Runner-up: Chris Banting of Financing Start Up Enterprise

2019 Spotlight Award: Chloe Fenn of Virgin StartUp

Tracey Kilty presenting a certificate to Chloe Fenn

The award is given to the adviser who has demonstrated a high degree of commitment, contribution and teamwork to help improve the way they support business owners.

Runner-up: Michael Fletcher of Enterprise Loans East Midlands