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)

2 Faced Aesthetics Ltd

Specialising in anti-ageing skin treatments, 2 Faced Aesthetics worried it may not have been able to cover its direct debits when COVID-19 struck.

Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS)

Spread Eagle Inn

Having taken on the business in 2018, the owners of this coaching inn, bar and restaurant were finally ready to see a profit for their endeavour. But when COVID-19 caused them to close, all their income disappeared and they were forced to make staff redundant.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Pitts Wilson

As they did with many businesses, the government shutdowns in 2020 left this electrical and mechanical contractor with no sites on which to work and nowhere to deploy its 40-plus staff.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Hall-Fast Industrial Supplies

With the COVID-19 shutdown causing the customers of this family-run company to fall short with payments or have to cease trading temporarily, the business was forced into rethinking its financial strategy. Deciding to buy new stock that it could sell as essential items throughout the pandemic, the company boosted its working capital with help via the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Meon Valley Travel

As soon as governments across the world enforced their bans on international travel to tackle COVID-19, agents such as Meon Valley Travel saw their income promptly disappear. Consequently, it applied to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) for funding that would allow it to continue trading during the pandemic.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Mercia Hardware (Eagledale)

Concerned that the COVID-19 shutdown would severely harm its business, Coventry’s Mercia Hardware turned to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) for financial support. Granted a loan, the company was able to continue to supply its products and even diversify its range.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Marwell Wildlife

Marwell Wildlife was forced to close its zoo when the Government implemented the shutdown to fight COVID-19. With no visitors paying to enter the zoo, but ongoing costs to meet for the animals’ upkeep, the company sought financial support via the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) before its cashflow dried up.

Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS)

Greenhill Hotel

Like most hospitality businesses, the Greenhill Hotel was instructed to close its doors to visitors, to help stop the spread of COVID-19. With no date for when it would be able to reopen, and unable to qualify for any government grants, the business found the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) to be its best option for financial support.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

ART Health Solutions

A business with a client portfolio of mainly office-based organisations, ART Health Solutions was severely affected when those corporate premises closed suddenly as a result of COVID-19.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Leamick Building Systems

Without the support of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Worksop-based plastering company Leamick Building Systems might not have had enough working capital to see it through the challenging period of the pandemic.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Sunsquare

Already enduring cashflow issues due to uncertainty around Brexit, skylight company Sunsquare faced even tougher times with the COVID-19 shutdown. Applying to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) for financial support was the difference between securing jobs and continuing to trade and closing down the business altogether.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Goulds (Dorchester) Limited

Having only recently spent a large sum on inventory for the summer season ahead, the COVID-19 shutdown couldn’t have come at a worse time for retail group Goulds (Dorchester) Limited.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Haweswater Hotel

Although the enforced shutdown due to COVID-19 caused the Haweswater Hotel severe cashflow problems, the owners of the business also recognised an opportunity.