Q3 infograaphic

18 INTEREST-FREE LOANS APPROVED IN Q3!

by News

We are proud to announce that £243,600 in interest-free loans has been approved in the third quarter of 2025, taking the total for the year so far up to over three quarters of a million pounds (£753,000) – a record for the Charity!

Within this figure, 11 interest-free business loans were approved totalling £174,600, while seven interest-free education loans were approved to the value of £69,000 – two of which will be used at the world-famous University of Oxford.

“Behind these numbers are inspiring individuals pursuing their ambitions, and we are honoured to play a part in their journeys.”

The Leicestershire & Rutland businesses set to benefit from this huge allocation of funds include a pub, beauty salon, tool smith and a mobile catering company. Meanwhile, the education loans will support the studies of an MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering, an MA in Fashion, and LLM SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination).

Lucy Womack, STWLC Chair, said: “We are immensely proud to see the Charity approve another significant total this month, with over three quarters of a million pounds approved so far in 2025. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland through interest-free loans, and also shows that while our offer may sound too good to be true, it’s very much real – just ask our new borrowers! Behind these numbers are inspiring individuals pursuing their ambitions, and we are honoured to play a part in their journeys.”

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.

APPLY FOR AN INTEREST-FREE BUSINESS LOAN

APPLY FOR AN INTEREST-FREE EDUCATION LOAN

The next deadline for applications is 3:30pm on Wednesday 1 October 2025.

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.

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.

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.

2024 Grants Stats v2

OVER £100,000 AWARDED IN BUSINESS GRANTS!

by Business Grant Success Stories

The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity has awarded 23 grants to businesses in Leicestershire and Rutland totalling £103,000 – the largest amount ever awarded by the Charity!

With 2024 being the 60th year of STWLC being registered with the Charity Commission, and following the record-breaking loan approval figures in 2023, we celebrated by doubling our grants budget to £100,000, giving more businesses than ever before the chance to benefit.

Whereas our interest-free business loans are to be repaid, these grants of up to £5,000 require no repayment by recipients at all, offering a much-needed boost during a challenging economic time for small businesses.

A total of 125 applications were received by STWLC, with the grants awarded ranging from £1,000 to the maximum amount of £5,000 to support businesses from a wide range of industries, including: photography, baking, injury rehabilitation, construction, art, early years childcare/education, and IT services.

“We are a young company, so to have a head start on some of our marketing efforts is fantastic. I’m excited to see the impact this will have.” – Jake Saunders, Saunders Networks Ltd.

Ammo Khan, Chair of STWLC’s Grant Committee, said: “This was a special year for the Charity’s grants scheme, with our funding pot doubled to provide more grants than ever before to local businesses. I’m delighted that the opportunity has been grasped with both hands, and I’m sure the total amount of £103,000 spread across 23 recipients will make a huge difference to many small business owners across the county.”

Lucy Womack, Chair of STWLC, added: “Last year we approved our highest amount of interest-free loans since 2008, so we’re absolutely thrilled to continue that good news with our highest-ever grants approval figure this year. Starting and running a small business is a hugely rewarding endeavour, but it doesn’t come without its challenges. We hope that these grants can provide a much-needed boost to all 23 recipients, and we look forward to following their progress and future success.

Jake Saunders, Managing Director of Saunders Networks Ltd and a recipient of the grant, said: “I’m extremely grateful to receive this grant for our business. We are a young company, so to have a head start on some of our marketing efforts is fantastic. I’m excited to see the impact this will have on building our customer base and better serving our existing customers too. Thank you so much for awarding this to us, we are so grateful!”

Ellysia Blair, The Rehab Coach, said: “This grant means that I am able to support so many more local sportspeople, clubs and teams in Leicestershire with their sports rehab and injury prevention. I am so excited to be able to get a professional to help me with designing a proper website and have more of a social media presence, allowing my business to reach further afield and spread awareness about how I can help people with their return to sport. I cannot thank STWLC enough!”

Christian Thompson, a Photographer, added: “I’m tremendously excited to receive this grant, which will allow me to meet new potential clients which will provide the opportunity of gaining wedding photography bookings at prestigious venues. This grant will help me to take my business in the direction that I want to head. Thank you to The Sir Thomas White loan Charity!”

Applications for STWLC’s business grants are now closed, however applications are still being welcomed for our interest-free business loans, which are available up to the value of £20,000.

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

2024 Q2 graphic

INTEREST-FREE LOANS TOTALLING £112,100 AWARDED TO PEOPLE IN LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND

by News

We’re delighted to announce that we approved nine interest-free loans to people within Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland in the second quarter of 2024.

Totalling £112,100, the latest sum in interest-free loans is to be utilised to either fund business start-up or development, or postgraduate education.

Six interest-free business loans totalling £82,100 were approved to support local businesses in a variety of industries, including domiciliary care, property development, a children’s play area and a glamping site.

Meanwhile, three education loans totalling £30,000 were approved to support the studies of a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and Master’s degree in Directing & Producing Science and Natural History Films.

“The worst that can happen is we say no – but the chances are, we’ll say yes!”

Lucy Womack

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 set the benchmark high last year with a record-breaking loan approval amount, but the early signs of 2024 show that we’re continuing on the same positive trajectory, with £229,600 approved in the first two quarters already.

“Among other things, this illustrates the commitment and ambition that young people have in our great county. The interest-free loans will help more small businesses to establish or grow, and support with postgraduate tuition and living costs for others. If an interest-free loan could help your business or education aspirations, then please visit our website for more information. The worst that can happen is we say no – but the chances are, we’ll say yes!”

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

The next deadline for applications is 3.30pm on Monday 1st July 2024.

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.