Having approved over £1million in interest-free loans and grants for the first time in 2025, The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity has started 2026 by approving an allocation of £212,500 in interest-free loans for 14 businesses across Leicestershire & Rutland.
With loans ranging from £5,000 to the maximum allocation of £20,000, the businesses supported include a recruitment agency, audio production company, fishing tackle retailer and a creative hub/studio.
We host 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. Our loans are interest-free for nine years, and become repayable by equal instalments after three years.
In 2025, we approved a huge £949,032 in interest-free loans, in addition to £103,500 in grants funding. This meant that the Charity approved £1,052,532 in total for the year – by far the most in our entire 483-year history.
Application packs are available to download upon completion of a contact form on our website – simply follow the Business Loan or Education Loan links for further information.
The next deadline for applications is 3:30pm on Wednesday 1 April 2026.
The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity is incredibly proud to end 2025 with the news that we have funded businesses and postgraduate students in Leicestershire with over £1 MILLION in interest-free loans and business grants this year!
In a huge boost for Leicestershire & Rutland businesses and postgraduate students, this record-breaking milestone was reached through £949,032 being approved in interest-free loans, in addition to our 2025 grants scheme awarding £103,500 to local businesses.
This means that the Charity has approved £1,052,532 in total this year – by far the most in our entire 483-year history!
The loan approvals in the final quarter of 2025 will support 10 businesses including a dance school, dog trainer and bakery, while six interest-free education loans have been approved to enable the studies of legal, medical and policing postgraduate courses, among others.
Lucy Womack, STWLC Chair, said: “This is a hugely special milestone and a significant moment in the Charity’s history. To approve over £1M in a single year through interest-free loans and grants is something we’re so incredibly proud of. But more than that, behind every loan and grant is a person with ambition, determination and a vision for their future – the very people our Charity exists to support.
“Whether it’s helping a local business expand or enabling a postgraduate student to pursue a vital career path, these funds change lives and strengthen our communities. We can’t wait to see the positive impact this funding will have, and we look forward to supporting even more people across Leicestershire and Rutland in 2026.”
STWLC’s 2025 In Numbers
• 69 interest-free loans approved • £773,632 approved in interest-free business loans • £175,400 approved in interest-free education loans • 24 business grants awarded, totalling £103,500
As we mark this year’s National Trustees’ Week, we’re shining the spotlight on all Sir Thomas White Loan Charity Trustees and thanking them for their time, dedication and passion they put into their roles.
Our Trustees give so much behind the scenes – from guiding our strategies and messages to interviewing applicants, meeting borrowers and championing our work in the Leicestershire community.
This week is the perfect moment to shine a light on their commitment and share why they love doing what they do.
Our Chair, Lucy Womack, made history back in March 2022 when she became the first-ever female Chair of the Charity: “I’m incredibly proud to be Chair of Trustees at The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity – a cause that’s close to my heart,” Lucy said. “Seeing candidates grow from their first interview is a great thrill.”
“Meeting ambitious young people is a privilege” – Anne Whitlock, Trustee
Fellow Trustee Anne Whitlock highlights the privilege of connecting with young people at pivotal moments in their lives: “Interviewing candidates is the best part,” Anne says. “Meeting ambitious young people is a privilege, and we strive to make the process welcoming.”
Parmdeep Vadesha, a Trustee since 2022 and an experienced entrepreneur, finds great satisfaction in hearing the stories of the people the Charity supports: “As an entrepreneur, I’ve faced business ups and downs, which helps me understand our borrowers’ journeys. I always look forward to meeting them and listening to their stories.”
Meanwhile, Ammo Khan, who has served as a Trustee since 2015, chairs the Grants Committee and takes pride in helping businesses thrive in the Leicestershire community: “The most enjoyable part of being a Trustee is saying yes to giving out a loan or a grant!”
Sue Cleminson, a HR specialist and Trustee since 2019, emphasises the collaborative spirit of the board: “I enjoy working with the other Trustees to make the Charity as visible as possible, because I think it’s a brilliant opportunity for people.”
Want to hear from all of our Trustees? You can get to know them better by clicking HERE
For more information on our interest-free business and education loans, please follow the links above.
If you’re working on your business plan or need a little extra guidance, we’ve partnered with some amazing organisations to help you get there. Find out more HERE
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.
As campuses across the UK prepare to welcome thousands of students back this autumn, excitement mixes with nerves. Bags are packed, fresh notebooks bought, timetables downloaded. For many, the next few weeks mark the start of something life-changing.
But beneath the buzz often lies a quieter concern: funding. Postgraduate study is more vital than ever for those who want to specialise and stand out, but the cost can be daunting. That’s where The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity comes in, offering interest-free education loans that make further study possible for students from Leicestershire and Rutland.
And here’s the good news: you don’t have to apply before you start. If you’re already on your course and realise the financial challenge ahead, you can still apply.
Turning Ambition Into Action
Just ask Joanne Rogers, whose love of history took her from an undergraduate degree at De Montfort University into postgraduate study at Lincoln.
Her passion? Preserving precious objects for future generations. “The course covers the conservation and preservation of historic objects, learning the science behind the types of deterioration an object may undergo throughout its life and how to identify these issues,” she explains.
Joanne is pursuing a Graduate Diploma in Conservation Studies at the University of Lincoln
Without the loan, Joanne admits, “I wouldn’t have been able to afford to join this course and develop my knowledge without the support of STWLC.” Today she’s putting those skills to use at Leicester Museums Service – protecting heritage that belongs to us all.
From Leicester to Oxford
Leona May Irwin packed her bags to move from Coventry to the University of Oxford, where she embarked on a Master’s in Clinical Embryology.
“To specialise within Reproductive Healthcare and Biology was always my aim,” she recalls. “The ability to meet world-renowned researchers, of which I read about and admired in journals before attending, was astounding.”
The interest-free loan bridged the gap between Leona’s ambitions and the reality of Oxford’s costs, allowing her to focus fully on learning rather than on money worries.
Leona completed a Clinical Embryology MSc at the world-famous Oxford University
Accelerating a Career in Motorsport
For Drew Tora-Willson, postgraduate study meant getting closer to his dream career in Formula 1. After an engineering degree at Leicester, he joined Cranfield University to research aerodynamics in motorsport.
“Studying here felt right for what I wanted to get into – motorsport/Formula 1,” he says. “Without the loan, it is likely I wouldn’t have been able to make the course work (at least without putting a lot of strain on myself and my parents!), and I have no idea where I would be now if that were the case.”
Drew (left) used an interest-free loan to complete a MSc in Aerodynamics at Cranfield University
Why Now is the Time
As the new academic year begins, students from Leicestershire and Rutland are unpacking in new cities, meeting lecturers, or logging on to online inductions. Others are already deep in their course, balancing deadlines with part-time jobs.
Wherever you are on your journey, it’s worth remembering: our support isn’t just for those at the very start. Applications are open to students who have already started their course too.
That flexibility means help can arrive when you need it most – whether you’re just stepping into your first lecture or already deep into your dissertation.
Investing in Futures
With up to £10,000 available as an interest-free loan, repayable over nine years with a three-year break before repayments begin, we have been helping students for generations.
The impact is measured not only in financial support, but in the stories of people like Joanne, Leona and Drew – graduates who turned dreams into careers thanks to a Charity that believes in potential.
Whether you’re preparing to start, or already well underway, now is the time to ask: could an interest-free loan help unlock your future?
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!
“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.
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.”
“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.
Growing up in the Leicestershire and Northamptonshire region, Isobel Munn always had a deep interest in the criminal justice system. Her academic journey began at Southfield School in Kettering, where she studied from the age of 11 through to 18. It was from there that she took her first step into higher education, enrolling at De Montfort University in Leicester.
“At 18, I attended De Montfort University in Leicester where I studied for a total of five years,” Isobel shares. “My undergraduate degree was Criminology and Criminal Justice which I completed between 2014 and 2017.”
Transitioning to Law
While her undergraduate studies laid a solid foundation in the theory of crime and justice, it was her postgraduate education that propelled Isobel towards her current role as a Criminal Defence Solicitor at Noble Solicitors. To make the leap from criminology graduate to qualified solicitor, Isobel pursued two key legal qualifications at De Montfort University: the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and the Legal Practice Course (LPC).
“Between 2017 and 2018 I completed the Graduate Diploma in Law at De Montfort University,” she explains. “This was a conversion course that gave me the equivalent of a law degree. I completed the seven core modules required to achieve a law degree that would usually be split over three years.
“From 2018 to 2019, I then completed the Legal Practice Course, again at De Montfort University. This was the course that all Solicitors/Barristers were required to complete.”
The Courses That Made a Career
The importance of these postgraduate courses to Isobel’s career path cannot be overstated.
“Completion of both the Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course were absolutely essential in being able to pursue employment as a Solicitor. I would not have been able to become a Solicitor without having completed the courses.”
Discovering STWLC
However, as with many postgraduate students, funding these essential studies was a significant challenge. That’s where The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity (STWLC) entered the picture.
“I cannot recall exactly,” Isobel says when asked how she first discovered the Charity. “I believe that there was something advertised at the University or it may have been suggested when I was seeking support to arrange funding for my postgraduate studies.”
A Positive Experience with the Charity
What began as a potential funding solution turned into a pivotal moment in Isobel’s professional development. Her experience with STWLC was not only practical, but also motivational.
“I found the experience helpful! When applying for the loan, it was helpful to be able to clarify, in my own mind, what my plan was for the future. Everyone was very friendly and appeared as though they really wanted to help me invest in my goals.”
The Impact of STWLC
Reflecting on the overall impact of the Charity, Isobel is unequivocal.
“100%. Without STWLC, I don’t know how I would have been able to fund my postgraduate studies which ultimately led me to become a Solicitor. STWLC gave me an opportunity to invest in myself and have confidence that I could pursue my dream job. It is a fantastic Charity aimed at supporting people become their best selves; without taking anything in return. I would have no hesitation in recommending STWLC to anyone.”
Invest in Your Future
Are you looking to invest in your future through postgraduate study but unsure how to fund it?
STWLC offers interest-free education loans of up to £10,000 to help individuals take the next step in their academic and professional journey – just like Isobel did.
Lyni Sargent’s path to becoming a self-employed Art Psychotherapist is a story of perseverance, late diagnoses, and the transformative power of art. Her academic and personal journey showcases how determination and the right support systems can lead to success – even when the odds seem stacked against you.
Early Life and Educational Challenges
“I grew up in Hinckley, Leicestershire and attended Battling Brook Primary School, Redmoor High School, and then completed my GCSEs at John Cleveland College. I failed all of my GCSEs as I had undiagnosed Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and ADHD.”
It wasn’t until later in life that Lyni began to understand the challenges she faced throughout her education. At 28, she took a bold step and enrolled in a foundation degree in photography at Leicester College.
“Within a couple of weeks of starting, my struggles became apparent and I was referred for a dyslexia assessment. Shortly afterwards I was diagnosed with dyslexia and dyspraxia.”
Reclaiming Education and Gaining Confidence
Far from giving up, Lyni continued her studies, topping up her qualification to a BA (Hons) in Professional Studies in the Creative Industry – sponsored by De Montfort University. With her dyslexia diagnosis giving her clarity, she took on another challenge: re-sitting her GCSEs.
“Knowing that I had dyslexia made me feel empowered to retake my GCSEs and I gained a 7 in Maths, and a 9 in English. These were at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College.”
Her postgraduate studies brought further revelations. “It was when I commenced my MA that I was screened for, and diagnosed with, ADHD.”
Discovering a Passion in Art Therapy
Lyni chose to pursue an MA in Art Psychotherapy Practice through the Northern Programme at Netherthorpe House, Sheffield, sponsored by Leeds Beckett.
“I always found school difficult, but bizarrely I found Art Therapy relatively easy. There was a lot of coursework to get through, lots of reading and assignments, but because it was something that I felt so passionate about it didn’t feel like hard work.”
Her course included practical elements that helped ground the theory.
“We also had to complete reflective practice which involved making artwork which enabled us to reflect on what we had read. We then discussed as a group our reflections. I think this action kept our stress levels lower which helped with our studies.”
A pivotal part of the course was her placement.
“I completed my placement at Maplewell Hall School in Loughborough which is a lovely school for High School aged children with Special Educational Needs.”
Paving the Way to Employment
Lyni is clear about the importance of her qualification in launching her career.
“Art Psychotherapy/Art Therapy is a protected title, so I would not be able to practice without the qualification. So yes, (the interest-free loan) made a very big, positive impact!”
Support from The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity
When it came to funding her postgraduate studies, Lyni sought out financial support.
“A peer had received a grant who lives in the North of England. I knew I wasn’t eligible as location was a criteria, but I did a Google search to see if there was anything similar for Leicestershire.”
“It was very straightforward. I often feel overwhelmed when it comes to following processes, but Sarah Hope (STWLC Operations Manager) was so kind, calm and professional that she made the whole process feel effortless.”
The Charity made a significant difference in helping Lyni manage the cost of studying.
“With me living in Hinckley and having to travel to Sheffield each week, I could not have afforded the course without the support of STWLC. Student Finance didn’t cover the fees, never mind all of the extra expenses that come with studying! I had to purchase so many books as they weren’t available in libraries, pay for fuel and a B&B each week, as well as manage on a reduce income as I was only able to work for two and a half days a week.”
Her message to others considering postgraduate study is simple:
Looking to Further Your Education Without the Financial Burden?
STWLC offers interest-free education loans to eligible students pursuing postgraduate study. If, like Lyni, you’re passionate about your future but need financial support to get there, STWLC could be the helping hand you need.
Click below to learn more about how to apply and take the next step towards your postgraduate journey – interest-free and full of possibility.
The path to becoming a barrister is one of rigorous study, intensive training and significant financial commitment. Peter Hale’s journey exemplifies the dedication required to achieve this goal. Now a barrister at 12 King’s Bench Walk, Peter reflects on his academic and professional journey, as well as the vital role The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity (STWLC) played in his success.
Roots and Education
Peter was born in London, before moving to the East Midlands at the age of 11. He attended school in Oakham and later studied at King Edward VII Sixth Form in Melton Mowbray. It was here that Peter’s aspirations began to take shape, ultimately leading him to pursue a Law degree at the University of Exeter.
Driven to deepen his understanding of law on an international scale, Peter continued his education by completing a Master’s in European Law at the University of Rennes in Brittany, France.
The Bar Professional Training Course
The next step on Peter’s journey was the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) at City Law School, University of London – a mandatory qualification for those aspiring to become barristers.
“The BPTC is essential for fulfilling the vocational stage of training,” Peter explains. “It provides a foundation in procedural law and equips aspiring barristers with skills in advocacy, negotiation, drafting, and research.”
Successfully completing the BPTC enabled Peter to progress to the pupillage stage of training and, ultimately, qualify as a barrister.
“Government support isn’t available for courses like the BPTC, so without STWLC’s financial assistance, it’s difficult to see how I could have achieved my career goals”
Finding Support Through STWLC
Like many postgraduate students, Peter faced significant financial challenges when it came to funding his studies. While exploring his options, he discovered STWLC, an organisation offering interest-free loans to residents of Leicestershire and Rutland pursuing educational or business opportunities.
“When I was researching ways to fund my postgraduate studies, I came across STWLC online,” Peter recalls. “It was one of the most accessible charities for residents of Leicestershire and Rutland.”
The Role of STWLC in Peter’s Journey
STWLC proved to be a lifeline for Peter, enabling him to pursue his ambitions without the financial barriers that might have otherwise held him back.
“Government support isn’t available for courses like the BPTC, so without STWLC’s financial assistance, it’s difficult to see how I could have achieved my career goals,” he says. “Beyond the funding, the charity provided encouragement and reassurance throughout my studies.”
Peter also appreciated the clarity and fairness of the Charity’s repayment terms.
“The application process was well-managed and the interest-free scheduled repayments meant that I have always known how much I would need to repay at which stages. I would highly recommend the Charity to anyone considering further education and needing financial support.”
A Career Realised
For Peter, the support of STWLC wasn’t just financial – it was foundational to his success. And for those following in his footsteps, his advice is clear: don’t hesitate to seek out the resources and support that can help make your goals a reality.
For more information about STWLC’s interest-free education loans, which are available up to £10,000, interest-free for nine years, please click here
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The faculty of Business and Law at DMU.
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