20260304 Maria

ROOTED IN SCIENCE: HOW MARIA BUILT BANG COSMETICS

by Business Success StoriesNews

When Maria moved from Greece to Leicester at 17, she began a journey that would eventually bring together her background in biomedical science, clinical research, and a growing passion for specialist hair and scalp care.

Today, she is the founder of BANG Cosmetics – a growing business dedicated to supporting people with hair and scalp conditions. And a key part of her journey has been the support of The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity’s Interest-Free Business Loan.

Born and raised in Greece, Maria relocated to Leicester with her family as a teenager. She went on to study Biomedical Science at De Montfort University, gaining hands-on experience while working in laboratories at Leicester Royal Infirmary and Leicester General Hospital.

After graduating, she moved to London, where her career progressed from hospital-based roles into clinical trials. Starting as a coordinator, Maria advanced into project management, all while continuing her studies in public health.

Her path was firmly rooted in science and healthcare – until a personal health challenge changed everything.

While working in London, Maria developed scalp psoriasis and, after visiting doctors without finding a lasting solution, realised she could use her scientific knowledge in a different way.

“I thought, I can use my background to help – I can fix this myself,” she explains.

Drawing on her research and personal experience with textured hair, she created gentle, effective products that support healthy hair and scalp. After creating products that worked for her, a close friend suggested she begins selling them. Maria quickly realised that many people, particularly within African communities, struggle with scalp conditions but often lack clear guidance, education, and suitable products.

What started as a personal solution evolved into a much bigger vision: not just selling products, but providing education, diagnosis support, and specialist treatment for hair and scalp health.

And so, BANG Cosmetics was born.

Using her loan from The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity, Maria has been able to enrol in a professional trichology course – a qualification focused on diagnosing and treating hair and scalp disorders.

“Trichology is like being a dermatologist for hair and scalp,” she says. “The loan has allowed me to complete the first course I need, and there are more to follow.”

A significant portion of the funding has gone towards her training, with the remainder supporting product development and market research. This combination allows Maria to grow BANG Cosmetics while steadily working towards becoming a fully certified specialist able to treat clients directly.

Maria first heard about The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity through a member of her church, who encouraged her to attend business seminars and workshops. It was there that she learned about the Charity’s Interest-Free Business Loans for young entrepreneurs.

The application process, she says, was unlike anything she had done before – but ultimately invaluable.

“It was straightforward, but a lot of it was new to me. It really makes you dive deep into your own business, which is a good thing.”

“If I ever needed to do a similar process in the future, I’d be in a much better place to do so having done this with the Charity.”

For early-stage entrepreneurs, managing cash flow can be one of the biggest challenges. Maria highlights the importance of the Charity’s three-year grace period before repayments begin.

“It’s a great place to start,” she says. “There’s always unexpected expenses with a business – accountants, subscriptions like Shopify, and so much more. Having time to get started and sustain the business before repaying is really helpful.”

The interest-free nature of the loan has given her breathing space – allowing her to invest in qualifications and product development without the added pressure of high borrowing costs.

Currently balancing full-time employment alongside evenings and weekends dedicated to BANG Cosmetics, Maria’s next goal is to transition into the business full time.

Over the next five years, her vision is clear:

• To grow BANG Cosmetics into a sustainable full-time venture

• To open a dedicated clinic where she can treat clients with hair and scalp conditions

• To establish her own laboratory for product formulation and testing

By combining treatments, diagnostic guidance, and scientifically formulated products, Maria hopes to create a holistic centre for hair and scalp health – particularly serving communities that have traditionally lacked specialist support.

From clinical trials to community care, Maria is using science, lived experience, and entrepreneurial drive to make a tangible difference.

And with the backing of The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity, BANG Cosmetics is only just getting started.

To find out more about BANG Cosmetics and view products, please visit https://bangcosmetics.com/

Want to read more about our Interest-Free Business Loans? Right here on our website is the best place for that!

Riverview Reptiles

FROM HOBBY TO HIGH STREET: THE SUCCESS STORY OF RIVERVIEW REPTILES

by BUSINESSBusiness Success StoriesNews

Behind Riverview Reptiles is owner Tom Williams, whose passion for exotic animals can be traced back to childhood. What began as weekend trips to the pet shop soon became something far more lasting. As Tom explains, “I have always had an interest in exotic and unusual animals and always enjoyed a weekend trip to the pet shop as a kid. I got my first Leopard Gecko when I was 15 and have been hooked ever since.”

That passion naturally shaped his career path. “I have worked in many fields including plant growing, aquatics and reptiles,” he says, building the hands-on experience that would later underpin the business.

Today, Riverview Reptiles operates from two locations: the original store at 14 High Street, Sileby, and a second site in The George Centre, Grantham, which opened afterwards as the business expanded with STWLC’s support.

At its core, Riverview Reptiles is a pet shop – but not a conventional one. As Tom puts it, “We are essentially a pet store but with a twist, we offer exotic, unusual and hard-to-come-by pets such as lizards, snakes and invertebrates.”

Ethics and animal welfare sit at the heart of everything they do. “We sell all our animals in an ethical way and aim to promote high animal welfare in both of our stores,” Tom explains. Alongside the animals themselves, the stores stock “all the equipment needed to keep them happy and healthy.”

The service offering goes even further, with “holiday boarding, health checks and tortoise hibernation” available to support owners long after purchase.

As the business grew, external guidance played an important role. “We were advised to contact STWLC by a business advisor,” Tom recalls, marking the beginning of a key relationship in Riverview Reptiles’ expansion story.

Applying for support can often feel daunting, but that wasn’t the case here. Reflecting on the process, Tom says, “Both the application and interview process were thorough but very easy.”

When Riverview Reptiles received an Interest-Free Business Loan from STWLC, soon came their second location. “We used the funds to help set up our second store in Grantham, specifically for shop fittings and animal enclosures, as well as the rental deposit,” Tom explains.

This investment allowed the Grantham store in The George Centre to open its doors, bringing the Riverview Reptiles ethos to a wider audience.

Looking back, Tom is clear about the impact of the support received. “STWLC has played a pivotal role in our journey and we couldn’t have expanded our business the way we have without their help.”

His advice to others is equally direct: “I would strongly advise other businesses to get in touch and see what they can offer to help.”

If you’d like to visit Riverview Reptiles, you can head over to their two store locations below:

• 14 High St, Sileby, Loughborough LE12 7RX

• Units 18 & 19, The George Shopping Centre, High Street, Grantham, NG31 6LH

If, like Tom, your business could benefit from an Interest-Free Loan up to the value of £20,000, please click here to read more. Our loans are completely interest-free for nine years, and require no repayments in the first three!

Brewery Tent

UNDER THE TENT: HOW THE BREWERY BECAME SILEBY’S EVENT HOTSPOT

by Business Success StoriesNews

Step inside The Brewery in Sileby, Leicestershire, and you’ll find more than great coffee. You’ll find laughter over baby showers, creativity flowing in craft workshops, and the buzz of a community brought together under one roof – or rather, under a giant stretch tent at the back of the café.

The company is owned by Sarah Ward, whose career path hasn’t been a straight line, but rather a vibrant tapestry of creative and people-focused roles. “I studied BA Honours in Illustration before qualifying as a secondary art teacher through the Graduate Teacher Programme,” she explains. “I spent nine years teaching before moving into running my own coffee shop – something I’ve now been doing for nearly a decade.”

Today, The Brewery is more than just a place to grab a cappuccino. “We’re an independent coffee shop, but we also host private hire events and community workshops,” Sarah says. “It’s become a space where people can gather for everything from baby showers to pop-up restaurants.”

That expansion into events was made possible with the help of an interest-free loan from The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity (STWLC) – though, as Sarah recalls, finding out about the Charity was a stroke of luck. “I first heard about STWLC from two female business owners I know,” she says. “They’d heard of the Charity and told me it might be something worth looking into.”

Once she decided to apply, the clock was ticking. “The application process was stressful because I had such a tight deadline – I think I had only about three days to complete it before the cut-off. If I’d missed it, I would’ve had to wait three months, and that would’ve been too late for the work I needed to do,” she recalls.

“Without the Charity, we wouldn’t have been able to make these improvements.”

“But Sarah Hope at STWLC was fantastic – incredibly helpful. I had numerous phone conversations with her when I was stuck or had questions, and she was instrumental in helping me get it done in time.”

The interview process brought its own nerves. “Like any interview, there’s that natural anxiety in the build-up,” Sarah admits. “But the Trustees were all lovely and really put my mind at ease once I was in the room.”

When the loan was approved, Sarah knew exactly where the money was going. The coffee shop already had a large garden space at the back, but she wanted to transform it into something special. “We put down Astroturf and installed a huge stretch tent to give the area permanent cover,” she explains. “Now, not only can we host private hire events like hen parties, weddings, and birthday celebrations, but we can also run more community workshops.”

The result has been a win-win: a boost for Sarah’s business and for other local entrepreneurs. “We’ve had everything from glass fusion and reptile meet-and-greets to slime-making workshops for kids,” she says. “It supports other small businesses in the area while giving the community something fun and engaging to do. And it’s brought in a whole new customer base for us.”

The numbers speak for themselves – the new covered space can seat an extra 70 people, and Sarah says it’s transformed their summer trade. “Without the Charity, we wouldn’t have been able to make these improvements,” she says. “It’s created a really unique space that’s made us incredibly busy this summer. I’d absolutely recommend STWLC to others – in fact, I already have on a few business Facebook groups.”

The Brewery can be found at 22 High St, Sileby, Leicestershire, LE12 7RX and you can visit their Instagram and Facebook pages to see more.

For further information on our interest-free business loans, which are available up to £20,000, please click the button below.

APPLY FOR AN INTEREST-FREE BUSINESS LOAN

Our next application deadline is 3:30pm on Wednesday 1st October 2025.

Richard Buxton

REBOOTING A CAREER: THE STORY BEHIND ENRICH TECH SOLUTIONS

by Business Success StoriesNews

Richard Buxton is no stranger to wearing many hats. Before launching Enrich Tech Solutions, his professional journey spanned diverse industries – from IT system administration and tech support to construction, maintenance, and even managing bustling bars and nightclubs in Leicester.

“I was an IT systems administrator/tech support engineer and data analyst previously,” Richard shared.

I’ve also worked in construction trades, maintenance and property development, and have also managed bars and nightclubs in Leicester in the early 2000s.”

With an eclectic background bolstered by years of practical experience and academic achievement, Richard always harboured the ambition of bringing his varied skills under one roof.

“For studies I have completed lots of IT courses as well as tech repairs and PC building studies over the years, but have also done a joint honours BA in Creative Writing and Popular Music – so variety is the spice of life!” he said. “As such, I have always wanted to put all this together and use my skills running my own business.”

His entrepreneurial journey began in 2019 when he collaborated with the then-director of MJ Computer Centre in Market Harborough to relaunch and manage the business, renaming it MH Tech Centre Ltd. Under his guidance, the business flourished – but change was on the horizon. When the company was sold in late 2023, the new ownership took the business in a different direction.

“Things went in a different direction so I decided to launch my own brand and develop my own business,” he explained.

The Birth of Enrich Tech Solutions

It was at this point that Richard launched Enrich Tech Solutions – a tech support and repair business rooted in customer service excellence and technical expertise.

“We believe that technology should empower, not frustrate” is our slogan,” he said.

“We provide over the counter tech support and advice, on the spot repairs, home and business callout services. We can undertake repairs for all devices, from Macbooks/laptops and computers to vintage hi-fi like Dansette record players, and new PC builds; specialising in the higher-end gaming builds. Our focus is first with the client, and with hope to make a lasting relationship.”

Finding Support through STWLC

Starting a new business is a formidable task, and Richard knew he needed the right support to succeed, which is where STWLC came in.

“I had a recommendation from a client at the Harborough Innovation Centre to ask the council about grants and loans for start-up businesses in the area, and STWLC was the first name recommended,” he recalled.

Richard found the application and interview process with STWLC to be refreshingly smooth and personable.

“It was all fairly straightforward. The online interview process was fine, and I quite enjoyed it. The Trustees were nice. It was mostly Sarah Hope (STWLC Operations Manager) I spoke to a few times, she was friendly, professional and good to deal with.”

“STWLC have had quite a pivotal role in my journey, from the business planning to the launch of everything it was key to have some extra funding.”

Enrich Tech

Putting the Loan to Work

With an interest-free business loan secured, Richard was able to transform his vision into reality.

“The funds were used to buy stock, set up the shop with furniture and all shop fittings, marketing materials and to buy additional tools for the trade. Plus, a portion was used to go towards a vehicle for business purposes.”

The support from STWLC was not just financial, it also played a crucial part in giving Richard the confidence to move forward decisively.

“STWLC have had quite a pivotal role in my journey, from the business planning to the launch of everything it was key to have some extra funding to help me start off in a way that can hit the ground running,” he said. “I would, and have recommended them to others already.”

A Bright Future Ahead

Thanks to his determination, wide-ranging skills, and a helping hand from STWLC, Richard Buxton has turned a moment of uncertainty into a thriving opportunity.

For more information on Enrich Tech Solutions, visit their website here

Thinking of launching your own business? Find out how STWLC can support your journey with an interest-free business loan.

APPLY FOR AN INTEREST-FREE BUSINESS LOAN
Elly

HOW AN STWLC LOAN AND GRANT TRANSFORMED ELLY BLAIR’S CAREER

by Business Success Stories

Elly Blair has always had a deep passion for sports and an appreciation for an active lifestyle. Growing up in Market Harborough, she attended Welland Park and Robert Smyth Academy, where she pursued A-Levels in PE, Maths, Psychology, and Biology. From a young age, Elly was actively engaged in competitive swimming, netball, and dance at Harborough Academy. Her love for sports led her to Sheffield Hallam University, where she studied Physical Activity, Health, and Exercise Science, before moving on to complete her Master’s degree in Sports Therapy at the University of Lincoln.

Discovering The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity

When considering funding options for her postgraduate studies, Elly came across The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity (STWLC). “I was looking into loans available for Master’s degrees, and the education loan at STWLC came up. It was a much better option for my Master’s, being interest-free compared to taking on another student loan,” she recalls.

The MSc Sports Therapy Experience

Elly’s MSc in Sports Therapy was an intensive and hands-on programme, allowing her to develop practical skills essential for her career. “It was a lot of practical sessions to get used to handling, assessing, and treating clients,” she explains. “We spent a lot of time in the gym learning about sports rehabilitation and designing structured rehab plans tailored to each client, rather than handing out generic exercises.”

“Quite simply, I wouldn’t be a qualified Sports Therapist without their education loan, as taking out another huge student loan wasn’t an option.”

A crucial part of her degree was completing 200 hours of placement experience. Elly secured a placement with Wasps Rugby, working in their medical department over the summer. This experience opened doors to a long-term role with the Wasps academy teams, where she worked for five years. “It shows the importance of making the most of placement opportunities and how they can lead to a career after finishing your studies,” she adds.

Launching The Rehab Coach

Building on her professional experience, Elly founded The Rehab Coach, a rehabilitation business based in Market Harborough. The business operates nationwide through online services, offering bespoke rehabilitation programmes to athletes and the general public.

“Having worked in professional sport, I saw the elite level of rehabilitation available to injured players. It made me question why that level of care wasn’t accessible to the general public,” says Elly. The Rehab Coach was born out of a desire to provide high-quality, personalised rehabilitation. Rather than simply prescribing a generic set of exercises, the business assesses each client’s full-body functional movement to uncover underlying causes of injury.

A key differentiator for The Rehab Coach is their use of cutting-edge VALD technology, which tests an athlete’s strengths and weaknesses, asymmetries left to right and also their running, hopping and jumping capabilities, in an objective manner. “This technology allows us to create bespoke rehab programmes based on precise data and track progress over time, ensuring a full recovery and long-term resilience in sport,” Elly explains.

The Impact of the Business Grant

Receiving a business grant from STWLC was a game-changer for The Rehab Coach. “Initially, working alone while raising my little boy meant I had very little time for an online presence. Bringing in my business partner, Harvey, gave us the capacity to take on more clients, and we knew we needed to invest in rebranding and marketing.”

The grant enabled The Rehab Coach to revamp their website, hire a social media manager, and significantly enhance their online presence. “Since implementing these changes just three months ago, we’ve seen a huge increase in enquiries and awareness of our business in town,” she says.

Additionally, the grant allowed The Rehab Coach to upgrade its VALD technology, reinforcing its position as a leader in rehabilitation services. “This equipment is vital to our business. It sets us apart by enabling us to measure weaknesses and imbalances, create data-driven rehab plans, and track client progress to determine when they are ready to return to their sport or activity.”

“Having a social media manager has eased the pressure massively and allows us to have more time for clients”

A Transformational Journey with STWLC

Reflecting on her journey, Elly acknowledges the significant impact of STWLC on her education and business. “Quite simply, I wouldn’t be a qualified Sports Therapist without their education loan, as taking out another huge student loan wasn’t an option. Our business grant has allowed us to take The Rehab Coach to the next level – we’ve tripled our client numbers and can now deliver a more professional service using advanced technology.”

The support from STWLC has also provided much-needed relief in balancing business and family life. “Having a social media manager has eased the pressure massively and allows us to have more time for clients and focus on delivering the best level of rehab to them, rather than content creation and marketing.”

Elly’s journey is a testament to the power of financial support in unlocking opportunities for professional growth. Whether through an interest-free education loan or a business grant, STWLC continues to empower ambitious individuals like Elly to achieve their goals.

If, like Elly, you could benefit from an interest-free education loan up to £10,000 to help cover postgraduate living and tuition costs, please click here to read our eligibility criteria and apply.

Applications for our business grants are currently closed, however we welcome applications for our business loans all year round. These are completely interest-free, available up to £20,000, and can be repaid over a generous nine-year term. Please click here for details.

Lizzie Gray

MAKING WORDS WORK: HOW STWLC HELPED A COPYWRITING BUSINESS THRIVE

by Business Success Stories

Starting and growing a business is rarely a straightforward journey. For many entrepreneurs, securing the right support can make all the difference. Lizzie Gray, Founder and Director of Gray and White Consultancy Limited, understands this first-hand.

With a background in communication, business analysis, and coaching, Lizzie had the expertise to help businesses refine their messaging, but taking her own company to the next level required additional funding.

That’s where The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity (STWLC) came in. Through our interest-free business loan, Lizzie was able to invest in key areas of her business, laying the foundation for long-term success.

About Gray and White Consultancy

Based in Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, Gray and White Consultancy is dedicated to making words work for businesses.

“I specialise in copywriting, tender writing and brand messaging, helping businesses communicate clearly and persuasively, whether that’s through bidding for contracts, refreshing their website copy, or refining their brand voice generally,” Lizzie begins.

“It’s a mix of strategy and storytelling, ensuring their words don’t just sound good but actually get them results.”

Discovering The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity

Lizzie first learned about STWLC through networking with the Charity’s marketing consultant. He introduced her to the opportunity, and the idea of an interest-free loan to support business growth immediately caught her attention.

“I first heard about STWLC through Martin Hageman while networking. He mentioned it as something I should look into, and it stuck with me,” Lizzie recalls.

“The idea of an interest-free loan to support business growth isn’t something you come across every day, and it came at the right time for me when I was looking to take Gray and White to the next stage.”

Office front

The Application and Interview Experience

Applying for funding can often be a daunting and lengthy process, but Lizzie found the STWLC application simple and accessible. “It was surprisingly straightforward!” she says.

“The interview wasn’t an interrogation; it was a good conversation about my business, where I wanted to take it, and how the funding would help. Sarah Hope (STWLC Operations Manager & Clerk) and the Trustees were really supportive, and they obviously want to see businesses like mine succeed.”

“The funding gave me the breathing space to make investments in my business, but more than that, it was a huge confidence boost.”

Using the Loan to Drive Business Growth

The interest-free loan from STWLC allowed Lizzie to lay a strong foundation for her business.

“I used it to establish physical premises, update my marketing, qualifications and website, and invest in a car to travel more easily to meet clients,” Lizzie explains.

“That face-to-face time has been a real game-changer. It’s made a huge difference in building relationships and securing work.”

Inside office

The Impact of STWLC on Gray and White Consultancy

For Lizzie, the loan was more than just financial support – it also helped to increase confidence.

“The funding gave me the breathing space to make investments in my business, but more than that, it was a huge confidence boost,” she reflects.

“Knowing that an organisation believed in my business enough to back it really helped.”

Lizzie wholeheartedly recommends STWLC to other business owners who meet the criteria and need funding to grow: ” I always recommend STWLC to other business owners. If you need funding to grow and meet the criteria, it’s well worth looking into.”

If you’re an entrepreneur looking for a way to take your business to the next level, STWLC could provide the support you need to turn your vision into reality.

If you’re aged between 18-45 and reside in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland, please click here to find out if you’re eligible for our interest-free business loan.

To contact Gray and White Consultancy, email lizzie@grayandwhiteconsultancy.

Business loan borrower Leicester

GEORGIE ANSELL: BUILDING A STRONG BUSINESS

by Business Success StoriesNews

“Life is about living and you work for the majority of it, so why not do something you love!” 

These wise words come from Georgie Ansell, who is proof that following a passion for a career can be hugely satisfying and rewarding, with her business, Georgie Ansell Personal Training, now thriving thanks in part to our interest-free business loan. 

Georgie grew up in Rutland with her mum, dad and brother and returned to the county soon after completing an undergraduate degree in Leeds. 

“I then travelled South East Asia, which was one of the most amazing experiences,” Georgie explained. 

“I came back from travelling and decided I wanted to have a career as a PA, so I started working as a receptionist for land developers and worked my way up to being a PA for the COO of the company.” 

While doing this job, Georgie found her love for fitness and having travelled around Australia for six weeks, she decided to take the brave step of changing her career path. 

“I soon left the PA role and trained to be a personal trainer,” she continued.  “During my training I had a full-time job caring for the elderly in Rutland, which was really rewarding.  I have been a qualified PT for just over six years, but running it as a full-time business for 20 months.”

Unlike most other gyms, Georgie Ansell Personal Training provides a small, intimate and comfortable setting for people to train.

“My personal training business offers one-to-one and small group sessions in a private gym based just outside of Oakham, Rutland. The space is unique as its only me and the person training. It takes away the big gym environment and provides a space they can feel comfortable in.” 

“I did some research as I wanted to expand my business,” Georgie reflected when recounting STWLC’s role in her entrepreneurial story.

“The interview was great, the Trustees put me at ease and were very supportive through the whole process.” 

Georgie Ansell

“It was then while searching the web for loans that I came across STWLC. I found the process straight-forward. The business plan gets provided so you know what you need to include. The interview was great, the Trustees put me at ease and were very supportive through the whole process.” 

Once Georgie’s interest-free business loan was approved, she quickly went about putting the funds to good use.

“I used the funds to renovate part of an old chicken shed so I could use it as a private gym space,” Georgie continued. 

“I was also able to purchase equipment for the gym. I bought two sets of cardio machines, a rig, with a squat rack, pull up bar and pulley machine, plus barbells, dumbbells, storage units and much more functional fitness equipment. I also purchased a laptop for admin.”

Finishing with a final word on STWLC’s impact, Georgie put it simply:

“I wouldn’t be in the position I am with my business without them!”

To make an enquiry to Georgie Ansell Personal Training, please email: info@georgieansellpersonaltraining.co.uk 

For more information on our interest-free business loans, available up to £20,000 over a nine-year period with no repayments required in the first three years, please click here

Esme 2024 01

LULU DOG SERVICES: PAWS AND PAMPERING

by Business Success Stories

Esme Nicholson has come a long way since launching her dog grooming business, Lulu Dog Services, during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite being a challenging time full stop, let alone to take the leap of faith into entrepreneurship, Esme Nicholson has come out the other side and her business is thriving – thanks in part to The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity’s interest-free business loan.

“The loan made everything possible really,” Esme said when catching up with the Charity recently.

“Business is thriving, I’m fully booked almost all the time and working additional days to keep up!”

At the same time as running a successful business, Esme has also been able to open up the shop to enable work experience students to make some new, furry friends.

“They absolutely love the chance to work with the dogs, and I’m glad I can provide a different kind of ‘working environment’ as I never had the chance to work with animals when I was younger. We now also have another business working in our shop a few days a week which is great.”

Based in Clarendon Park, Lulu Dog Services provides a host of grooming options, including fur clipping, bathing, nail clipping and, in Esme’s words, making them “look beautiful yet practical”.

Looking ahead to the future, Esme added: “We’ve started boarding a few of our regular dogs over the summer, which we love doing! We plan on doing more day care and boarding in the future, as well as keeping up the dog grooming!”

When seeking funding to make her business a reality, Esme first discovered STWLC through a friend, who had herself benefited from the charity’s unique interest-free business loans. From there, Esme reached out to one of the charity’s marketing consultants – Martin Hageman – who explained how the charity worked.

My advice would be to any new upcoming business needing the loan would be ‘go for it!’

Esme Nicholson

“The application process was very straight forward, although I did have my business-savvy dad to help me through,” explained Esme.

“The loan helped me with a lot, as I didn’t have the initial bulk to buy my very expensive equipment,” she added.

“My table and bath came to just under £2,000 which was the biggest amount I spent. It also helped with me opening my shop, paying for the flooring, a lick of paint and the advertisement for the front of my shop and car. Little things like leaflets, beer mats and the local pub helped a lot and spread the word when I couldn’t work. Leafleting became my primary job through lockdown with lots of hand sanitizer in between!

“My advice would be to any new upcoming business needing the loan would be ‘go for it!’ Although the process got tricky sometimes with the business plan and lots of numbers, if you know your business inside and out you will be successful. The interviews were very relaxed and all the trustees were lovely throughout.

“I have, and will continue to, recommend The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity for helping my dreams come true!”

To find out more about Lulu Dog Services, please visit https://www.luludogservices.co.uk/

For more information on The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity’s interest-free business loans, please click here.

Feast and Furious Header

FEAST AND THE FURIOUS: FIRED UP FLAVOUR!

by Business Success Stories

Some people have an entrepreneurial mindset that exists even when their careers are on a different path. It’s a brave move to step away from employment to follow that inner desire to own a business, but it can also be hugely rewarding.

Having worked in retail from the age of 17 and become manager of several stores, Jon Oakes decided to leave at the age of 30 to start his own business, Feast and the Furious in Melton Mowbray.

“My main hobby was BBQ and smoking, so I thought my USP could be authentic American BBQ,” Jon began.

“This was very little known in the UK in 2017, so I started a food truck. I was self-taught and whenever I was cooking for other people, they would say how good it was and that is was better than anything they had had elsewhere. They said I should sell it, so that was my reason and driving factor to combine my love for food and BBQ/smoking with my desire to run my own business, leveraging the skills I had learnt from my many years in retail management.”

A smokehouse and smokery based in Melton Mowbray, Feast and the Furious serve hot food from their new fixed location, including smoked beef brisket, pulled pork and ribs.

“We also smoke a range of cold smoked goods such as smoked cheeses, butter, nuts, garlic, salmon and more which we sell at our smokehouse as well as at markets, events and online,” Jon continued.

“We also sell linked products such as hot and cold smoking equipment for people to do it themselves at home, and recently launched courses that we host at the smokehouse to learn further how to smoke at home. We also offer catering for private events such as weddings and corporate as well as wholesale of our products to cafes, delis and shops.”

“We can’t recommend them enough to any business that is seeking funding or thinking of expanding. It’s invaluable and they are a lovely organisation to deal with.”

Jon Oakes

When the time came to look for finance options in order to move from a food truck and small unit to a bricks and mortar smokehouse, Jon discovered The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity.

“We spoke to someone at a business hub who I mentioned the Charity for the grants initially, and when we were unsuccessful with the grant application we found out about the loans that could be provided.”

Available up to £20,000, STWLC’s business loans are interest-free for nine years, with nothing to repay in the first three years, giving small businesses time to establish before equal monthly repayments commence.

“We used the loan to help towards the cost of a brand-new cold smoker, as well as towards the other building works of the smokehouse,” Jon recounted.

“Although there is paperwork to complete and we needed two guarantors for the loan amount we were asking for, it was all worth it for the loan and the terms that come with it, such as having three years before repayments start which is invaluable.

“Without the funding and terms of the STWLC loan, we would have struggled with securing enough finance to fund the project fully and on time,” Jon concluded.

“We would have had to take on high repayment terms which could have made the project unviable, so it came at just the right time and we can’t recommend them enough to any business that is seeking funding or thinking of expanding. It’s invaluable and they are a lovely organisation to deal with.”

To find out more about Feast and the Furious, please visit feastandthefurious.co.uk

For more information about STWLC’s interest-free business loans, please click here

[Pictures are Copyrighted to Beth Walsh Photography] 1284 Ltd

RAPID GROWTH FOR 1284 AFTER LOAN SUPPORTS STRATEGIC MARKETING CAMPAIGN

by Business Success StoriesNews

Strategic communications consultancy 1284 has won two leading industry awards – including a national prize – after receiving its interest-free business loan from The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity.

The Loughborough-based company also hit its annual revenue target with six weeks to spare after investing the loan in a marketing campaign.

1284’s consultants are now looking at what comes next. A long-term business strategy is close to completion, while a new budget aims to increase annual income by 50% by March 2025.

1284 founder George Oliver received a £15,000 loan in April 2023. It was divided between a new CRM, website updates, launch of a newsletter, print collateral, trade shows, industry accreditations, targeted sponsorship, and other strategic marketing activity.

It also funded a partnership to relaunch the Leicester Riders Business Club, which meets quarterly and has since gone from strength to strength.

The marketing investment helped gain a host of new clients, supporting the recruitment of two experienced consultants, and further developing 1284’s network of specialist associates.

“Our experience with The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity has been excellent,” said former Leicester Mercury Editor, George.

“It was a simple, well-organised application process which enabled us to accelerate what we were doing and fund new ways of telling our own story.

“The result was another 12 months of good growth, giving us the confidence to recruit more consultants and continue developing our client portfolio.”

Former Leicestershire Local Democracy Reporter, Amy Orton, joined as Account Director last Spring. Former Staffordshire Sentinel Editor, Richard Bowyer, was recruited in the Autumn as Content Editor after several years with the University of Derby.

They bring significant experience of communications leadership in multi-stakeholder organisations, ranging from councils to hospitals. That experience helps 1284 deliver communications strategies for people developing innovative products and services.

It works with clients who have complex stories, finding clear ways to tell them. Examples include:
• increasing public awareness of Government-funded programmes
• contextualising organisational restructures
• engaging with diverse groups of stakeholders
• chairing multi-agency comms groups
• setting out the benefits of investment.

The work of 1284, which was founded in 2020, is underpinned by voluntary positions at a number of regional growth organisations. George is Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the University of Leicester, and a volunteer mentor at Leicester Startups.

In December he was elected to the Board of East Midlands Chamber. He was recently made a Fellow of the Institute of Consulting.

In June, 1284 won the Silver Award for Independent PR Practitioner of the Year at the CIPR’s Excellence Awards. Staged in London, it is the UK industry’s leading prize night.

Two months later it won the Silver Award in the CIPR’s fiercely-contested Midlands Small PR Consultancy of the Year.

Both awards recognised 1284’s work in communicating East Midlands small business innovation.

“It’s been a year in which 1284 moved from startup to growth business,” added George.

“All of that has been supported by Sir Thomas White Loan Charity’s belief in what we are trying to achieve.”

For more information about 1284, visit www.1284.co.uk, email info@1284.co.uk or sign up for its monthly newsletter.

To find out more about The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity’s interest-free business loans, which are available up to the value of £20,000, interest-free for nine years, please click here.