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.

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
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 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.

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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.

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LOCAL BUSINESSES RECEIVE SHARE OF £117,500 IN INTEREST-FREE LOANS

by News

The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity (STWLC) has announced that seven interest-free loans were awarded to businesses within Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland in the first quarter of 2024.

Six interest-free business loans totalling £107,500 were approved to support a variety of local businesses including a gym, café and an arboriculture company, while one existing business loan borrower received a £10,000 top-up loan from the Charity, taking the total quarterly approval amount to £117,500.

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: “After finishing 2023 with record-breaking numbers, we’re delighted to start the first quarter of 2024 by approving £117,500 in interest-free loans to support local businesses across the county.

“We’ve often been described as the ‘best kept secret in Leicestershire’, but I think it’s safe to say that the secret is out now! We’re so pleased that more and more people are finding out about our unique offer and coming forward to apply for interest-free loans.

“If you need money to start or grow your business, or to return to university for postgraduate education, please get in touch!”

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

The next deadline for applications is 3.30pm on Thursday 4 April 2024.

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CHARITY SETS NEW 10-YEAR RECORD BY APPROVING OVER £200,000 IN INTEREST-FREE LOANS

by News

The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity [STWLC] has announced that 13 interest-free loans totalling £206,000 were awarded to people within Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland in the third quarter of 2023 – a new 10-year record allocation amount for the Charity.

Totalling £206,000, the latest sum in interest-free loans is to be utilised to either fund business start-up or development, or postgraduate education.

Ten businesses, including a travel agency, joinery and shop fitting company and a food outlet, are to receive a share of £179,500 in interest-free loans to launch or grow their business.

Meanwhile, three interest-free education loans totalling £26,500 have been approved to support tuition and living costs for postgraduate education, with chosen courses including a Physician Associate Studies MSc and Conservation Studies.

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: “Back in June, we announced that a new 10-year record allocation amount had been set when we approved £182,500 in interest-free business and education loans in the second quarter of 2023. Incredibly, the amount we’ve approved this quarter is even higher, totalling more than £200,000!

“This shows that more and more people are finding out about The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity and the interest-free loans we offer, while also demonstrating the ever-increasing appetite among Leicestershire entrepreneurs and students to grow professionally and academically.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that our support has reached new heights this year. I would encourage anyone interested in launching or growing a business, or returning to university for postgraduate education, to get in touch. We’re here to help!”

For more information on our interest-free business loans, please click here, or click here to learn more on our interest-free education loans.

Esme Nicholson Title

Esme’s Dog Grooming Business Blooming

by Business Success Stories

When it comes to business, sometimes the timing is just right – even in the most unusual of circumstances.

That certainly proved to be the case of Esme Nicholson, who in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic utilised the time available as a result of lockdowns and restrictions to focus on becoming her own boss.

The 24-year-old, born and bred in Leicester, runs Lulu Dog Services, a dog grooming studio based in Clarendon Park. Whilst many of Esme’s friends opted for university, she decided to revisit Brooksby Melton College to study dog grooming. After completing her course with distinction, Esme found employment and, in late 2019, was met with the realisation that she had the ability to start her own business.