In part two of Expert Insights, where we speak to experts across the business and entrepreneurship space within Leicestershire to get their thoughts on the current business landscape and the opportunities that are available, we’re delighted to introduce our Patron, Barrie Stephen…
Almost every career is full of twists and turns, rarely following a linear path from start to finish.
That certainly proved the case for Richard Foulston, who having studied Chemistry with Molecular Physics at university and then a PhD in Nanoscience, decided to follow a passion by opening his own game shop in November 2021.
From here, Black Dragon Games in Melton Mowbray was born, and The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity is delighted to have played a part along the way.
In every business venture there are times when new opportunities come along and important decisions need to be made.
For Bipin Anand and his film and video production company, ImageNova, one of those crucial turning points came when applying for a business loan from The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity.
In September 2021, The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity – for the first time in the charity’s long history – delivered individual business grants up to the value of £5,000 for ventures in Leicestershire and Rutland needing investment in the wake of the impact of COVID-19.
For Scott Moore, his business, CEL Sports Ltd, was hit massively. Providing sports coaching from grassroots to the top level, the closure of schools and suspension of grassroots sport just as his business was starting forced a quick change in direction. With help from an interest-free business loan from The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity, CEL Sports Ltd was able to open a gym in Glen Parva which, with social distancing in place, enabled the business to continue operating.
However, as Scott explains, the impact of COVID-19 in full led to a huge loss in revenue. When lockdown came to an end, Scott was quick to apply for further help from The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity through a £5,000 grant.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the dedication and importance of the nation’s teachers was deservedly highlighted, through the adaptation to remote learning or the continuation of educating children of key workers across the country.
However, for many, the pandemic also provided an unprecedented opportunity for individuals to reflect on all facets of life: work, family, living; many people were able to obtain fresh perspective.
For Victoria Corcoran, a foot was in both of the aforementioned camps. A teacher with 14 years of experience, Victoria was employed by one of the county’s schools throughout the early stages of the pandemic. However, eager to juggle her passion for teaching with a busy family life, Victoria identified an opportunity to become self-employed and start her own business – and Victoria Corcoran Tutoring was born.
As we enter 2022, Leicester-based The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity has announced that a total of £455,950 was delivered to people aged 18 to 45 within the county, in the form of the charity’s unique interest-free loans, throughout 2021.
Established in 1542 after a dowry was left to the city of Leicester by Sir Thomas White in 1542, today The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity provides interest-free loans of up to £20,000 to aid business start-up or development within the county, or interest-free loans of up to £10,000 to students wishing to study at postgraduate level to enhance their career prospects.
Running four application windows on a quarterly basis throughout the year, The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity has confirmed that a total of £289,650 was delivered in the form of 22 interest-free loans to start or grow businesses in 2021.