Success Stories

Learn how other UK businesses have used external finance to reach their ambition

Here’s just some of the tens of thousands of smaller businesses funded through our partners, with the support of British Business Bank’s programmes.

Have you received finance from one of our partners using one of our programmes? Do you want to have a chance of being featured as a success story on our website? Please email our Communications team to register your interest.

Enterprise Capital Funds

NQ64

NQ64 are a chain of unique bars across the country offering a range of specialist beers and cocktails which can be enjoyed by customers while playing a range of retro arcade games and consoles.

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Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS)

Shropshire Festivals

When Beth Heath used a Bounce Back Loan to protect her business in Shropshire, the loan not only boosted the cashflow of her award-winning festival company, but also gave her an opportunity to support her local community during lockdown.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Edward Thomas Interiors

With COVID-19 putting housebuilding on hold, Birmingham’s Edward Thomas Interiors couldn’t design and install its showhomes as normal. Forced to furlough 16 of its staff, the company applied for funds via the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) to ensure its survival.

Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS)

Leaf Clothing

Based in the heart of Newcastle, this clothing retailer turned to the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) as the city locked down and trading stopped.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

DC Electronics

While many businesses have focused their efforts on staying afloat during the coronavirus pandemic, this Essex-based company chose to diversify its business to manufacture much-needed medical ventilators rather than its usual motorsport components.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Swallow Yachts

For this Welsh bespoke boat builder, COVID-19 couldn’t have come at a worse time. Having already suffered a major fire in its workshop, the business now had to contend with the cashflow challenges resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. Needing funds to restart production and avoid redundancies, the business applied for a loan via the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Eve Taylor (London) Limited

As it has with many businesses across the UK, the ongoing coronavirus crisis caused this beauty products manufacturer to look closely at its operating model in order to remain in business long term.

Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS)

St Leonards Equitation Centre

Having already struggled through a challenging winter of bad weather, the arrival of COVID-19 and the associated lockdown meant this Cornwall riding centre had to shut down.

Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS)

Room97 Creative Hairdressing

Forced to close a new £350,000 salon that opened only four days before the first government lockdown, this business then had to contend with a prolonged period of closure and no revenue from its usual hairdressing services.

Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS)

Little Critters Brewing Company

Like the rest of the hospitality industry, this microbrewery had no option but to close its doors once the government lockdowns began. With its income massively depleted, and serious concerns over its ability to survive the pandemic, the business sought financial support via the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS).

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Croeso Pubs

As owner and operator of several establishments throughout Cardiff, Croeso Pubs was hit hard by the pandemic and the government shutdown that followed.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Macs Adventures

An international organisation, Glasgow-based Macs Adventures felt the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak earlier than many other businesses. Seeing demand for its tour service diminish almost overnight, the company sought support via the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) so it could implement financial measures that would protect its future.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Merrion Hotel

With COVID-19 striking just before the busy spring season kicked in, the Merrion Hotel saw its income vanish virtually overnight. But securing a loan via the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) has enabled the business to keep suppliers, staff and creditors fully paid.

Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS)

Ace Lifestyle

As the UK started to observe social distancing, health and fitness company Ace Lifestyle saw its customer base decline.

ENABLE Guarantees

Aeroplas

Based near West Bromwich, West Midlands, Aeroplas is a manufacturer of thermo injection moulding products.

Enterprise Finance Guarantee

The Cake Crew

Based in Bala, North Wales, The Cake Crew Ltd is a manufacturer of bakery products (primarily cupcakes) for major national retailers.

Enterprise Finance Guarantee

Dartington Crystal Holdings Ltd

Based in Torrington, North Devon, Dartington Crystal was founded in 1967 and is a leading UK brand in crystal and glassware.