New companies from around the country have been chosen to champion UK start-ups at an event staged by the British Business Bank.
Businesses including Seaweed and Co, Little Legends, 40 St Paul’s and FittaMamma were honoured at a reception held at the Houses of Parliament after they received backing from Start Up Loans.
The event aims to kick-start a year-long programme that will see the Start Up Loans Ambassadors take part in a series of local and national activities where they will offer advice to other aspiring business owners about becoming their own boss.
Since 2012, the programme has delivered more than 67,000 loans to business owners across the UK amounting to more than £534m.
Start Up Loans Ambassadors include a woman who created a brand of sportswear designed specifically for pregnant women and a former soldier who used his service experience to set up a telecoms company for the construction industry, specialising in rapid broadband and phone line connectivity.
Richard Bearman, managing director of Start Up Loans, said: “Start Up Loans exists to ensure aspiring business owners and early stage businesses have access to the finance and support they need to thrive and we’re proud to have played a part in helping innovative companies like Craig’s to start and grow.”
The 2019-20 Start Up Loans Ambassadors are:
1. Niall Greenan - The Smart Bunker (Northern Ireland)
2. Victoria Nicol - My Language Connection (Scotland)
3. James Dawson - T Plus Drinks (Yorkshire and The Humber)
4. Craig Rose - Seaweed and Co. (North East)
5. Christopher Hughes - Little Legends (North West)
6. Amanjot Johal - 40 St Paul’s (West Midlands)
7. Jacqueline Hall - DALE Coaching (East of England)
8. Alexandra McCabe - FittaMamma (South East)
9. PJ Farr - UK Connect (South East)
10. Rosie Letts - Rosie Letts Nutrition (South West)
Mr Bearman added: “As part of our drive to support UK small businesses, we provide funding to people in every part of the country and our impact has been particularly noticeable in areas that have been less successful with traditional loans.
“Since 2012, Start Up Loans has issued more than 65,000 loans to all kinds of start ups and early stage businesses across the UK, spread across a diverse range of sectors and industries.
“Some of the start ups and entrepreneurs we’ve supported recently include: a plastic-free supermarket, the creator of a low-sugar breakfast spread, a wildlife centre for children, a gin bar hailed as ‘The Best in the World’ and a designer and manufacturer of maternity fitness wear.”
