Success Story
| Region/Nation | North East |
|---|---|
| Sector | Health & Social Care |
| Programme | Start Up Loans |
Whitley Bay-based supplier of organic seaweed products Seaweed & Co, is a recipient of the Start Up Loans programme. Having started the business in 2014 after discovering the nutritional benefits of seaweed Dr Craig Rose, also known as Dr Seaweed, sought to make it as easy as possible to achieve natural health and wellness from sustainable seaweed. The business received a loan of £25,000 in January 2020 to launch its products to stores across the UK.
Without the support and advice we received from Start Up Loans, we wouldn’t be in the strong position we are today. We’ve been able to launch in Boots stores and online, in Holland & Barratt and in Sainsbury’s. Beyond that, we’ve expanded overseas, and are enabling people across the world to experience the benefits of seaweed!
Having the support from Start Up Loans, as a government-backed programme, gave me the confidence to believe in myself and fully make the move to become my own boss. I hadn’t come from a business background, so whilst the low interest loans were brilliant, having access to the pre-and-post loan advice and guidance was crucial for me, and it ultimately what attracted me to Start Up Loans as a lender.
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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