Success Story
| Region/Nation | South East |
|---|---|
| Sector | Consumer Goods & Services |
| Programme | Start Up Loans |
Olivia Rosenthal, 28, from Maldon in Essex took out a loan of £25,000 in December 2019 to launch Maldon Books – an independent bookshop for adults and children. She now offers a delivery service so people outside of Maldon can order books, and she’s launched a pop-up hut in the local park.
I have been a book lover all my life, so opening my own bookshop is a dream come true. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of Start Up Loans – the loan covered everything I needed to get started; the books, the bookshelves, the premises.
Opening during the pandemic was a risk, but I’m so glad I took the chance. We have a strong community in Maldon who supported us unfailingly since we opened. I now employ two members of staff and in the future, I’d love to open up a new store.
More success stories
Read a success story about 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
Read a success story about 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.
Read a success story about 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.
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