Sean Smith

FROM DATA TO DIRECTION: THE STORY OF INFOSMITH

When Séan Smith founded INFOSMITH in 2020, he brought with him years of experience across a variety of industries and organisations. What began as a vision to help businesses make better use of their data has grown into a specialist consultancy focused on delivering practical, trusted data solutions.

Reflecting on his early career, Séan explains:

“I’ve always lived in Leicestershire, being educated locally and continuing the trend doing a Physics and Astrophysics Degree at Nottingham Trent University. After leaving university I worked for Leicester County Council, Severn Trent Water, HCC Tokyo Marine (insurance), Carphone Warehouse, and Capital One. In 2020, I started INFOSMITH after taking VR from Capital One, and building up the business while working at Global Payments and GFK Marketing on short term contracts.”

Those experiences across the public sector, utilities, insurance, retail and finance gave Séan a unique perspective on the challenges organisations face when managing data effectively. It was this insight that ultimately led to the creation of INFOSMITH.

Today, INFOSMITH helps organisations transform the way they work with information and data. Rather than simply implementing technology, the business takes a strategic approach, helping clients understand their data, streamline processes and make more informed decisions.

As Séan describes:

“INFOSMITH is a data strategy solutions consultancy, meaning we add value to the data strategies of businesses no matter their size, helping them spend less time in Excel spreadsheets. We have developed a methodology for looking at data holistically, allowing us to understand our clients’ requirements and restrictions, advising, leading and installing solutions that build trust in their data and robustness in their processes.”

Like many entrepreneurs, Séan recognised the importance of accessing the right support at the right time. His introduction to The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity came through a local business support programme.

“It was the Loughborough University Incubator programme, Martin Hageman came and gave a very thorough and informative presentation on what was available.”

After learning more about the Charity’s interest-free business loans, Séan decided to apply. Throughout the process, he found the support offered by the team invaluable.

“Sarah Hope and Martin went above and beyond and were very helpful in preparing me for what was expected.”

The funding has provided INFOSMITH with the flexibility to invest strategically as the business continues to grow and develop new services.

“We are still making use of the funds gradually, but so far we have allocated use of the loan for market investigations, advertising costs, new equipment for development of the new services, and legal fees for partnership agreements and increased insurance.”

These investments are helping to strengthen the foundations of the business, enabling Séan to explore new opportunities while ensuring the company remains well-equipped for future growth.

Looking back on the support he received, Séan is clear about the role The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity has played in his entrepreneurial journey.

“I was very pleased to seed the loan, and have told others (where eligible) to look into applying.”

For more information about our interest-free business loans, available up to £20,000, please click here

To read more on INFOSMITH, head over to their website here.

alex boam

CRAFTING A FUTURE: HOW STWLC HELPED BCA FURNITURE LTD GROW

For Alex Boam, who co-founded BCA Furniture Ltd with his brother Chris, craftsmanship has always been at the heart of his career.

Based in Barwell, the company combines the brothers’ passion for creating high-quality bespoke furniture with a commitment to delivering one-off furniture and interior solutions for niche, high-end clients. Every piece is individually designed and crafted to meet each client’s specific requirements, creating spaces that are as distinctive as the people who commission them.

Alex comes from a practical background, having always preferred working with his hands over following a more academic route.

He studied Higher Education and earned a degree in Furniture Design and Make at OCVC in Oxford through De Montfort University. Following this, Alex gained experience working within the furniture industry, including roles as a machinist for a large-scale bespoke kitchen company, and as a cabinet maker.

These experiences helped Alex develop the skills and knowledge required to co-found his furniture-making business.

“We provide a niche to high-end clients, making bespoke and one-off pieces of furniture/interiors,” explains Alex.

As the business developed, Alex and Chris needed to invest in specialist equipment to help create work to the quality standards their clients expect.

Alex first found out about The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity through a family friend who had used the Charity to help fund higher education.

After applying for support, Alex found the process straightforward and well managed.

“Everything was very straightforward with the process not feeling like it dragged out, yet still felt considered,” says Alex.

The loan from STWLC helped contribute towards machinery and set-up costs after moving into an empty workspace.

The funding supported the purchase of essential equipment, including a panel saw, thickness sander, planer, and CNC router.

“These main large machines are vital for producing work to a quality our clients expect,” says Alex.

“Specifically, our panel saw and CNC router are vital for fast, accurate and repeatable work, saving us valuable time.”

Although the cost of the machinery was higher than the loan amount received, the funding provided valuable support in helping to purchase the best equipment possible for the needs of the business.

Before applying to STWLC, Alex explored other loan options but found that the Charity offered something different.

“We did explore other loan options, however the Charity seemed a lot more personal and friendlier, as well as the fact the loans are interest-free and have delayed repayment terms.

“We have wanted to recommend to people in similar positions, however so far we’ve been unable to because of their location. We would not hesitate to recommend the Charity to anyone looking in Leicestershire.”

With the help of The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity, Alex and Chris have been able to invest in the machinery and equipment needed to grow BCA Furniture Ltd and continue producing high-quality bespoke furniture.

Through a combination of traditional craftsmanship, specialist skills, and modern technology, the business continues to create unique pieces for clients who value quality and individuality.

To find out more about our interest-free business loans, available up to £20,000, please click here

Krishan 02

A PERSONAL APPROACH TO PROPERTY: KRISHAN MORJARIA’S JOURNEY

Krishan Morjaria didn’t set out to build a career in property, but over time, what started as an unexpected first job turned into a clear ambition to do things differently. Now based in Leicester, he runs his own bespoke estate agency, offering a more personal, high-quality service shaped by years of experience across the industry, with early support from The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity helping him take that leap.

“I was a drama student at university and fell into Estate Agency when I graduated at 22,” Krishan began.

“I had moved from company to company, gaining more responsibility in each job role until at 28, I had covered every aspect of Estate Agency. I knew it was time to explore opening my own business.”

That early decision to enter the industry became the foundation for everything that followed. Starting out in lettings and property management, Krishan built a broad and practical understanding of how the sector works from the ground up.

“I have been in Estate Agency since the day I graduated from university. I started in Lettings and Property Management, which led to me opening my own Letting Agency. I then transitioned into Residential Sales, which I have been covering ever since, allowing me to explore every aspect of the industry.”

Having grown up in Knighton and now living in Wigston, his work has always been closely tied to the local area. That connection, combined with his experience, shaped the kind of business he wanted to create – one that puts people and service at its centre.

“STWLC genuinely changed my life. It really did. I’m so, so grateful to them for giving me the funds to be able to really change the trajectory of my life.”

“I am a personal estate agent, your one point of contact when you’re thinking of selling your property. I cover every step of this process whilst offering a five-star service and the best marketing to make sure each home is marketed to the highest of specifications.”

Rather than following the traditional estate agency model, Krishan set out to offer something more tailored, where clients deal with one person from start to finish, and where attention to detail isn’t lost in volume.

Like many starting out on their own, one of the biggest challenges wasn’t just building the business, but managing the gap before income begins to come in. It was through a personal recommendation that he discovered STWLC and the unique Interest-Free Business Loans available.

“A friend of mine is a professional photographer and had set up his business the year before me with the help of STWLC, and he introduced me to Sarah Hope.”

What followed wasn’t just a funding application, but a process that pushed him to properly define and understand his business.

“The application and interview process really set me up for success, it forced me to look into my business plan and understand what I was taking on. Sarah was amazing – the Trustees on the interview were challenging but again, offered me a great learning experience.”

With the loan secured, Krishan was able to focus on building solid foundations during those critical early months.

“The loan was put towards general set-up costs. A sale takes, on average, four months to go through, so I knew I wasn’t going to have any money coming in for that time. I bought a monitor, a printer, I had leaflets designed and printed. I also had to cover general membership costs for estate agency such as anti-money laundering memberships, data protection memberships, indemnity policies and more.”

That initial support gave Krishan the breathing space to establish the business properly, without having to compromise on quality or rush the process.

Looking back, the Charity’s impact is something he doesn’t understate.

“STWLC genuinely changed my life. It really did. I’m so, so grateful to them for giving me the funds to be able to really change the trajectory of my life. If you genuinely believe you’ve got the foundations of a successful business, please reach out to them, it may change your life like it did with mine.”

For more information on Krishan’s services, visit krishan-morjaria.agreed.co.uk or connect with him on LinkedIn or Instagram.

To apply for our Interest-Free Business Loan, available up to the value of £20,000, please click here

Tom Williams 2026

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

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!

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When, while the lovely valley teems with vapor around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me, that it might be the mirror of my soul, as my soul is the mirror of the infinite God!

O my friend — but it is too much for my strength — I sink under the weight of the splendor of these visions! A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine.

I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents. I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now.

When, while the lovely valley teems with vapor around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me.

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When, while the lovely valley teems with vapor around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me, that it might be the mirror of my soul, as my soul is the mirror of the infinite God!

O my friend — but it is too much for my strength — I sink under the weight of the splendor of these visions! A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine.

I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents. I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now.

When, while the lovely valley teems with vapor around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me.

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When, while the lovely valley teems with vapor around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me, that it might be the mirror of my soul, as my soul is the mirror of the infinite God!

O my friend — but it is too much for my strength — I sink under the weight of the splendor of these visions! A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine.

I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents. I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now.

When, while the lovely valley teems with vapor around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me.

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When, while the lovely valley teems with vapor around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me, that it might be the mirror of my soul, as my soul is the mirror of the infinite God!

O my friend — but it is too much for my strength — I sink under the weight of the splendor of these visions! A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine.

I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents. I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now.

When, while the lovely valley teems with vapor around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me.

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When, while the lovely valley teems with vapor around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me, that it might be the mirror of my soul, as my soul is the mirror of the infinite God!

O my friend — but it is too much for my strength — I sink under the weight of the splendor of these visions! A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine.

I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents. I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now.

When, while the lovely valley teems with vapor around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me.

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When, while the lovely valley teems with vapor around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me, that it might be the mirror of my soul, as my soul is the mirror of the infinite God!

O my friend — but it is too much for my strength — I sink under the weight of the splendor of these visions! A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine.

I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents. I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now.

When, while the lovely valley teems with vapor around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me.