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3000 Start Up Loans… and Counting!
What a wonderful week it has been! I have been on the road celebrating a major milestone and had the pleasure of paying a visit to a very special new business.
This milestone was the 3000th entrepreneur from the Armed Forces community to have their self-employment ambitions realised with the help of a Start Up Loan facilitated by X-Forces Enterprise (XFE).
Our wonderful partnership with the government’s British Business Bank has an enormous impact on the lives of our community of business-owners and also contributes to the growth of the UK economy.
Eleven years ago, I met the late Lord Young – who was the pioneer of the Start Up Loans scheme – and at that time it was only available for those 30 years old or younger. This wasn’t going to work for the Armed Forces community so, with a bit of determination and passion, we were able to influence and change government policy so that there were no age restrictions. XFE was the only partner in the UK with this privilege before a wider policy was established.
Entrepreneurs from the Armed Forces community excel due to their resilience, adaptability, and ability to learn quickly. Their core strengths and skills acquired from service enable them to navigate the challenges of business ownership effectively, and therefore stimulate the economy.
Last week I headed north to Warrington where I met our 3000th recipient of a Start Up Loan, Phil Williams, who spent nearly 17 years in the Army in the Royal Dragoon Guards regiment. He returned to his hometown to set up a restaurant with his Thai partner, Chanisara. Krapow Thai Restaurant opened on 3 May this year and has already received rave reviews.
Sampling the delicious food with Phil Williams (Army Veteran), Chanisara Glanville, and Richard Bearman (British Business Bank)
Phil applied for a Start Up Loan to help turn the Warrington town centre market stall he and Chanisara were running into a fully-fledged restaurant in The Hive, a busy area with high footfall. They spent five years looking for the ideal location and employ eight people in the new business.
Richard Bearman is Managing Director, Small Business Lending, at British Business Bank, and I had the pleasure of his company in Warrington. I was proud to hear him describe X-Forces Enterprise as one of the Bank’s most successful partners and praise the supportive model that helps us provide opportunities for Armed Forces members and their families to turn their business dreams into reality.
I wish Phil and Chanisara well in their venture – the restaurant looks beautiful and the food is delicious…yes, I sampled it!
At this time of change in our nation and with the uncertainty this can bring, XFE stands strong, committed to supporting ambitious, talented members of our wonderful military community to embark on fulfilling, sustainable careers and play their part in the future prosperity of the UK.
To learn more about #FinancingForcesFounders click https://bit.ly/xfe3000
About the X-Forces Enterprise 3000 Start Up Loan Recipients
