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.

Growth Guarantee Scheme

Câr-y-Môr

Câr-y-Môr is the first community-owned regenerative ocean farm in Wales. With a diverse membership of over 300 individuals from various backgrounds, Câr-y-Môr has become a shining example of community-driven sustainability and innovation.

Read the success story about Câr-y-Môr
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Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Ember Bus

Coach company Ember was waiting to take delivery of its first fully electric vehicle when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Delays in the supply chain interrupted the business’ operations, while its financing fell through at the same time.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Hustyns Hotel & Spa

As with all hotels across the country, the emergence of COVID-19 meant Hustyns Hotel & Spa had to shut down for a number of months to comply with government guidelines.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Chigwell Construction

The coronavirus pandemic caused this Essex construction company to postpone plans to buy a rural site on which it planned to build a number of new homes. Unable to complete its other construction projects, and facing a significant lack of funds, the business needed investment from elsewhere.

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)

Hanson Springs

COVID-19 created a number of issues for Hanson Springs. Staff taking leave to self-isolate reduced overall productivity, while a fall in demand hampered cashflow.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Linell Homes

Back in March 2020, Dronfield housebuilders Linell Homes were set to close a deal to begin construction on some new properties when the nationwide lockdown was announced. Left with an empty building site and uncertainty around its cashflow, the business chose to support itself with funding via the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Acorn Early Years Foundation

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Acorn Early Years Foundation had to close a number of its nurseries, with attendance falling to around 10% of its usual level.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Silverlink Clinics

Businesses that rely on face-to-face interaction with customers have truly felt the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown. With its revenue falling to zero overnight, weight loss therapy provider Silverlink Clinics had to stop all of its treatment and furlough its employees to stay afloat.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Pasta King

As a provider of school meals to millions of childr

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.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

SD Kells

Closing all of its department stores as part of the COVID-19 lockdown and facing a long period of no revenue meant things were looking bleak for Northern Ireland retailer SD Kells.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

CM Marketing

As many of its customers – trade showrooms and builders’ merchants – closed their doors in response to the spread of the coronavirus, bathroom distributors CM Marketing took quick action, changing its working methods and assessing its cashflow.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Harvey House Nursery

Only four months into its life as a business, Harvey House Nursery was forced to close to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Oliver Brown

Having dedicated funds to buying in stock for Royal Ascot 2020, London tailors Oliver Brown were left significantly short when the lockdown was enforced and the racing event took place without spectators.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Hot Stone London

Like all restaurants, Hot Stone London was ordered to close once coronavirus spread more widely throughout the UK.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Dewing Properties

When the coronavirus lockdown prohibited the sale of residential property, demand for housing fell flat.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Little Kitchen

Government guidelines implemented to tackle COVID-19 meant cookery school Little Kitchen had to close its doors. With a much-needed relocation to new, larger premises already underway, the business required a boost of working capital to stay operating. For this, it applied to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).