This week we were delighted to reveal our 2024/2025 Small Business Ambassadors; fourteen leading and inspiring examples of entrepreneurs who took the leap to start their own business. The annual Start Up Loans Ambassadors programme celebrates inspiring business owners who have successfully launched their enterprises with support from the Start Up Loans programme.
Start Up Loans was created in 2012 to assist new and early-stage businesses with affordable finance and mentoring support. This programme, which is supported by the British Business Bank and is therefore backed by the UK government, has delivered more than 115,000 loans, providing over £1.13bn of funding to entrepreneurs in the UK.
Another of the principal reasons Start Up Loans was established was to ensure that people from all backgrounds could access the finance their business needs to thrive. Since the programme’s inception, 28% of loans have gone to individuals who were formerly unemployed or economically inactive. Additionally, 40% of loan recipients have been women, and 20% have come from ethnic minority groups, reflecting the programme’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity in entrepreneurship.
With an Ambassador from each Devolved Nation and region, the 2024/25 Start Up Loans Ambassadors reflect the broad diversity of businesses and owners that make up the UK’s SME landscape.
This year, we’ve introduced two new categories to our Ambassadors programme: one for young entrepreneurs aged 18-24, the Gen Z Ambassador, and another for ex members of the Armed Forces. Recognising the uptick we have seen in young people opting for entrepreneurship, who may face unique financial barriers, we’ve created the Gen Z category to celebrate the impressive young individuals who have decided to forge their own path and start a business.
Additionally, the new ex-Forces category honours the courageous individuals who have transitioned from military to civilian life and taken the entrepreneurial path, acknowledging their journey and achievements in starting new ventures.
A sustainable activewear company in Northern Ireland, a post-mastectomy bodywear brand in the Midlands, and a charity, inspired by the founder’s son, that lays on motorsports events for fundraising purposes in the North East make up just three of our fourteen Ambassadors.
Sarah-Jane Murray, Vocus Vit, Northern Ireland Ambassador
Sarah-Jane Murray, founder of Vocus Vit, a sustainable activewear company took out a £10,000 Start Up Loan via Enterprise NI to expand her inventory and invest in growing her business.
Vocus Vit offers premium activewear for ladies with a strong focus on sustainability and ethical business practises.
Sarah-Jane said: “I’m delighted to be a Start Up Loans Ambassador. The programme has really helped me get started in business and I am happy to share my story to help inspire other entrepreneurs.The loan really helped accelerate my business plans and as it comes with free mentoring, I have been able to learn about things such as profit and loss forecasts and social media marketing.”
Alexandra Perry, H.E.R Bodywear, East Midlands Ambassador
Alexandra Perry took out a loan of £14,500 via First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans, to found H.E.R Bodywear, where she designs and sells bodywear for women who have undergone surgery for breast cancer or cosmetic breast surgery.
Alexandra is a two-time breast cancer survivor who found it difficult to find attractive post-surgery bras after her operations – through this, Alexandra identified a significant gap in the UK market for bras specifically designed for post-surgery or mastectomy patients.
Alexandra said “Since I founded my company I have received tremendous support and have been able to share my story across multiple platforms. To be chosen as the Ambassador for the East Midlands as an example of a success from the Start Up Loans programme is flattering and a further extension of the support I have received – I am excited to see what’s next for my business.”
Paul Connaughton, JPC Specialist Motorsports, North East Ambassador
Paul Connaughton, founder of JPC Specialist Motorsports, took out a total of £20k through the Start Up Loans programme and its partner Business Enterprise Fund, to raise vital funds for JPC Community Farm. JPC Community Farm offers passenger ride experiences, world-class car events and unforgettable automotive experiences.
JPC Specialist Motorsports and JPC Community Farm are named after Paul and Julie’s son, James Paul Connaughton. James was born in 2000 severely disabled and is non-verbal however when Paul was watching Formula One on television, Paul noticed it was the first time James had paid attention to anything, which is what inspired the business.
Paul said: “JPC Specialist Motorsports raises vital funds to ensure we can continue to offer the support we provide to disabled adults through JPC Community Farm. My business wouldn’t be where it is today without the support from the Start Up Loans programme, and I want other budding entrepreneurs to know they can turn to the British Business Bank for support right from the very beginning.”
These founders have been selected because they embody the resilience, innovation, and determination that are the hallmarks of successful entrepreneurship. Their stories will serve as best-in-class examples of how to pursue your business dreams, while encouraging others to do the same.
