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.

 
Filter success stories
Filter Close filters
Filter success stories
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

Start Up Loans

BKW CrossFit

A group of four friends have joined forces to launch BKW CrossFit, a new community-based gym in East Bristol, with the help of a Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank.

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. The Start Up Loan of £24,000 they secured via X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) was key to making their dream a reality.

Start Up Loans

Moko Physiotherapy

Moko Physiotherapy, a Derbyshire based physiotherapy and sports massage clinic, has secured £30,000 funding from First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans, under the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, to refurbish its new premises.

Start Up Loans

Energy Build Southwest

Construction manager Tom Weston has hit the nail on the head with a new business that specialises in green building techniques. He set up Energy Build Southwest, based in Ivybridge, Devon, after securing a £25,000 Start Up Loan the programme’s partner in the South West, SWIG Finance.

Start Up Loans

Tŷ Green

An architect from Newport has started an eco-hut business, creating sustainable places and spaces for a variety of purposes following a Start Up Loan.

Start Up Loans

Wuva

Altrincham-based Wuva, a pioneering platform committed to sustainable subscription services, has secured £50,000 of finance from the British Business Bank through Virgin Startup. The investment catapults Wuva into a new phase of expansion, poised to reshape the landscape of conscious consumerism.

Start Up Loans

Evelyn Ecology

Evelyn Ecology Ltd., a Manchester-based ecological consultancy, has secured a total of £12,000 through the Start Up Loans programme, delivered by GC Business Finance (GCBF) on behalf of the British Business Bank.

Start Up Loans

Mama Bobo Africa

A Nigerian restaurant owner has been amazed at just how popular traditional African cuisine has become with Northern Ireland diners. Mama Bobo Africa thriving after receiving support from Start Up Loans.



Start Up Loans

Lyme bay Seafood Company

Learn how Simon Baker started their business Lyme bay Seafood Company with help from a loan from Start Up Loans.

Start Up Loans

Vessel Ceramics

Learn how Jilly Russell started their business Vessel Ceramics with help from a loan from Start Up Loans.

Start Up Loans

The Business of Mindfulness

Learn how Chris Hopkirk started their business The Business of Mindfulness with help from a loan from Start Up Loans.

Start Up Loans

Hello Good Pie

Learn how Clare Lewis started her business Hello Good Pie with help from a loan from Start Up Loans.

Start Up Loans

Turn Your Business Round

Learn how Brigitte Dove started their business Turn Your Business Round with help from a loan from Start Up Loans.

Start Up Loans

The Wine Hall

Learn how Vanessa Tortella started their business The Wine Hall with help from a loan from Start Up Loans.

Start Up Loans

Bliss Retreats

Learn how Joanne Jepson started their business Bliss Retreats with help from a loan from Start Up Loans.

Start Up Loans

EZ Hampers

Learn how Lisa Storey started their business EZ Hampers with help from a loan from Start Up Loans.

Start Up Loans

Zig and Zag Handmade

Learn how Jane Henderson Forrest started their business Zig and Zag Handmade with help from a loan from Start Up Loans.