"The Sir Thomas White Charity provided me with a generous interest free loan of £7500. These funds enabled me set up my new business with the latest and most professional photography equipment which allowed me to compete on even terms with my competitors.

My business has gone from strength to strength with clients such as the BBC, RSPCA, Barclays Bank, Royal Mail, The Prince's Trust, The Times and various charities and universities now regularly commissioned me.

I have the pleasure of being my own boss choosing to control my own destiny. I meet many interesting people, have a very varied diary and get paid to do something I love.

I recommend everyone who has aspirations to start their own business to contact The Sir Thomas White Charity and make their dreams a reality."

Stuart Hollis

HOLLIS Photography.com

I recieved funding from the Sir Thomas White Loan Charity to help develop my business that had been running for three years previous. The Charity has helped my business expand from hand made collectable bears to also craft materials, such as bear kits, wool and accessories. This gives me a wider range of customers. Also i have set up contracts for more stores to take my bears, as i have the funding for materials and postage.

If it wasn't for the Charity i would have still been struggling and managing my business on disabled benifit. It would have taken me years to get where i am now, still not at the top of the ladder but at least i am on it. I found the Charity to take me seriously as many loans/banks dont as i have a visual impairment and walk with a white stick.

Now i have a great chance thanks to the Sir Thomas white loan charity. I hope to improve my business for my orginal customers and for furture ones. Also grow and expand my business over the next year.

Clare Harris

"My Thomas White Charitable Trust loan back in 1996 was a fantastic contribution to what is now becomming Barrie Stephen Hair group. We will be opening our third salon this year!"

Barrie Stephen.