Approval Infographic

A RECORD-BREAKING QUARTER FOR STWLC!

by News

STWLC approves a huge, record-breaking £371,100 in interest-free loans in the second quarter of 2025.

The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity is thrilled to announce another record-breaking milestone for the Charity, with the highest EVER quarterly loan approval figure of £371,100!

Within this figure, a massive 21 interest-free business loans were approved totalling £343,200, while three interest-free education loans were approved, to the value of £27,900.

“It’s clear that more people are hearing about the Charity and applying for loans now than they ever have done before.”

The Leicestershire & Rutland businesses set to benefit from this huge allocation of funds include a deli, interior designer, fitness studio, entertainment venue, pet store and an aesthetics service. Meanwhile, the education loans will support the studies of an MA in Fine Art and MPhil in Film and Screen studies.

Lucy Womack, STWLC Chair, said: “This really is incredible news for the Charity. Supporting the business and education dreams of young people in our county is what we’re all about, so to do that with £371,100 in just one quarter is truly amazing.

“To add some context to that figure, across the whole of 2022 we approved £330,500. This jumped up to a record £600,000 in 2023, and £495,600 followed in 2024. To approve £371,100 this quarter (taking us to £509,332 for 2025 so far) shows that we’re on track for another special, record-breaking year.

“This also shows that whilst our offering of an interest free loan with nothing to pay for the first three years sounds too good to be true, it really isn’t – and these new borrowers are testament to this.

“It’s clear that more people are hearing about the Charity and applying for loans now than they ever have done before, and that’s something we can all celebrate. We wish all of our new borrowers the very best with their business and education endeavours!”

Established in 1542, STWLC hosts quarterly application windows each year in which people aged over 18 and under 45 can apply for unique interest-free loans of up to £20,000 to aid local businesses, or £10,000 to support students wishing to return to postgraduate education. The Charity’s loans are interest-free for nine years, and become repayable by equal instalments after three years.

The next deadline for applications is 3:30pm on Thursday 3rd July 2025.

APPLY FOR AN INTEREST-FREE BUSINESS LOAN

APPLY FOR AN INTEREST-FREE EDUCATION LOAN

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.

Loan approval graphic

CHARITY AWARDS £138,332 IN INTEREST-FREE BUSINESS & EDUCATION LOANS

by News

The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity is delighted to announce that 11 loans totalling £138,332 were awarded to students and entrepreneurs in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland in the first quarter of 2025.

Seven interest-free business loans totalling £98,332 have been awarded to businesses including a coffee shop and beauty salon, in addition to businesses providing personal training and educational classes for young children.

Meanwhile, four interest-free education loans, each to the value of £10,000, have been awarded to support postgraduate qualifications including a Master’s (MA) in Social Work and a Master of Laws (LLM) Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

Established in 1542, STWLC hosts quarterly application windows each year in which people aged over 18 and under 45 can apply for unique interest-free loans of up to £20,000 to aid local businesses, or £10,000 to support students wishing to return to postgraduate education. The Charity’s loans are interest-free for nine years, and become repayable by equal instalments after three years.

Lucy Womack, Chair of STWLC, said: “We’re very proud to continue supporting ambitious individuals in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland through our unique interest-free loans. By investing in both aspiring entrepreneurs and postgraduate students, we are helping to strengthen local businesses and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these loans will have on the recipients and their communities.”

Application packs are available to download upon completion of a contact form on our website.

The next deadline for applications is 3:30pm on Tuesday 1 April 2025.

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.

Lucy and Sarah in Oxford

CHARITY RECEIVES FUNDS TO PROVIDE INTEREST-FREE LOANS IN 2025

by News

Representatives from Leicester’s The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity attended the annual Sir Thomas White Charity distribution lunch at St John’s College, Oxford, on Thursday 16 January 2025; an event which sees funds distributed to individual charities under the Sir Thomas White banner.

STWLC were the grateful recipients of a cheque for a funding allocation which is to be added to the Charity’s existing fund and be used to provide interest-free business and postgraduate education loans to people aged over 18 and under 45 in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

In attendance on behalf of Leicester’s Sir Thomas White Loan Charity for this year’s distribution lunch were Lucy Womack, Chair of STWLC, and Sarah Hope, Operations Manager and Clerk to Trustees at STWLC.

Speaking after the event, Lucy Womack said: “We are very grateful to have received this allocation of funding to help us support more young entrepreneurs and students throughout 2025.

“Over the last two years we have approved over £1M in interest-free loans to people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, which we are incredibly proud of. However, our efforts certainly don’t end there, as this year we’re determined to increase awareness of the Charity even further and tell more people about our unique offer.

Lucy signing

“If you require funds to start a new business, grow a business further, or return to university for postgraduate education, I strongly urge you to consider our interest-free loans – it could be the best decision you ever make!”

To find out more about the interest-free business and education loans available to 18-45s in Leicestershire and Rutland, please click onto our business loan or education loan website pages and complete our contact form.

2024 total infographic

CHARITY AWARDS OVER HALF A MILLION IN INTEREST-FREE LOANS

by News

The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity [STWLC] has approved £175,000 in interest-free business and education loans in the final quarter of 2024 – taking the total approval amount for the year up to £545,600.

In the final quarter of 2024, STWLC approved one education loan to the value of £10,000 to support postgraduate studies at university, and 11 business loans totalling £165,000, with recipients including a barber, landscape gardener, bakery, financial adviser and an artist.

“2024’s total of £545,600 is a huge positive in its own right and will go a long way to supporting the business and education aspirations of many young people in the county”

Lucy Womack, Chair of STWLC

That means that 33 interest-free business loans totalling £495,600 were approved in total in 2024, in addition to five interest-free education loans to the total of £50,000.

Lucy Womack, Chair or STWLC, said: “We’re delighted to be ending the year with the news of over half a million pounds in interest-free loans being approved by the Charity in 2024.

“Last year, we broke a record and raised the bar with our approval amount, and knew that would be hard to follow this year, but 2024’s total of £545,600 is a huge positive in its own right and will go a long way to supporting the business and education aspirations of many young people in the county.

“If you’re eyeing up a new business idea for 2025, or want to return to university to study a postgraduate course, head over to our website to see how our interest-free loans can help. 71% of people we interviewed this year received loans, so there’s no reason why you can’t be next!”

Established in 1542, STWLC hosts quarterly application windows each year in which people aged over 18 and under 45 can apply for unique interest-free loans of up to £20,000 to aid local businesses, or £10,000 to support students wishing to return to postgraduate education. The Charity’s loans are interest-free for nine years, and become repayable by equal instalments after three years.

Application packs are available to download upon completion of a contact form on our website. Please follow the tabs above for either ‘business’ or ‘education’.

The next deadline for applications is 3.30pm on Tuesday 7 January 2025.

Q3 2024 Graphic

£141,000 AWARDED IN INTEREST-FREE LOANS TO PEOPLE IN LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND

by News

We’re thrilled to announce that we awarded 10 interest-free loans to people within Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland in the third quarter of 2024.

Totalling £141,000, the latest sum in interest-free loans is to be utilised to either fund business start-up or development, or postgraduate education.

Nine interest-free business loans totalling £131,000 were approved to support a variety of local businesses including a travel agency, womenswear boutique, mobile caterer and a consultancy firm, as well as a top-up loan for a current business borrower. These individual loans ranged from £5,000 to the full £20,000 available.

Meanwhile, one education loan to the value of £10,000 was approved to enable a student to complete postgraduate studies at university.

Established in 1542, STWLC hosts quarterly application windows each year in which people aged over 18 and under 45 can apply for unique interest-free loans of up to £20,000 to aid local businesses, or £10,000 to support students wishing to return to postgraduate education. The Charity’s loans are interest-free for nine years, and become repayable by equal instalments after three years.

Lucy Womack, Chair of STWLC, said: “We’re very pleased to be supporting a further nine businesses with our interest-free loans this quarter, as well as helping a student to begin a postgraduate course at university.

“Some people say that not paying a penny back in interest on a loan sounds too good to be true, but I promise, that’s our offer! I’d encourage anyone who is starting a small business to visit our website and read the criteria in full. It could be the best decision you ever make!”

Application packs are available to download upon completion of a contact form on our website – please use the tabs listed above.

The next deadline for applications is 3.30pm on Tuesday 1st October 2024.

Rewards for referrals!

NEW BORROWER REFERRAL SCHEME NOW LIVE!

by News

We are pleased to launch our brand-new Borrower Referral Scheme, which gives current or former STWLC loan recipients a fantastic opportunity to receive a £50 gift card by referring another successful loan applicant.

Open to both business and education loan borrowers, if an applicant identifies you as a referrer on their application form, and they draw down on the loan having been successful, you will have the opportunity to choose between a £50 Amazon or One4All gift card as your reward.

Lucy Womack, Chair of STWLC, said: “Our mission as Trustees of the Charity is simple – allocate as much money as possible to those who need it for business and education purposes within our county. To help us achieve that further, we’re enlisting your help!

“Do you know a friend or family member who is thinking about starting a business or taking a postgraduate course? Perhaps you speak with the public daily and have the opportunity to tell more people about us? Either way, this is a great way to receive a £50 gift card for yourself, while making a positive difference to somebody else. Start spreading the word today!”

To view our referral scheme terms and conditions please see below, and please visit the business loan or education loan pages on our website to view our loan eligibility criteria.

Referral Scheme Terms and Conditions

To be eligible and to receive a reward for a referral, all the following terms and conditions need to be met:

  • The referrer must be a current or former loan recipient of the STWLC (either education or business).  If a former borrower of STWLC, then the loan must have been fully repaid no more than 6 years from the date of the referral (application) so referral eligibility can be confirmed
  • The referrer must be identified on the application form, as submitted by the applicant.  Referrer contact details must also be submitted
  • The applicant being referred must be successful in securing a loan from STWLC and must complete / draw down on the loan.  The reward will only be paid once this has taken place.
  • The applicant, in providing referrer details, must agree to the decision / result of their loan application being shared with the referrer and this should be indicated on the application form
  • Referrals can be accepted for both business and education loan applications (grant applications are excluded)
  • The reward will consist of a £50 gift card from either Amazon or One4All (referrer to choose) and this will be emailed to the referrer once the loan has been drawn down
  • Current and former STWLC Ambassadors are excluded from receiving referral rewards
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