X-Forces Enterprise is delighted to announce that two of our beneficiary business-owners have been named as Start Up Loans Ambassadors for 2024.
The annual Start Up Loans Ambassadors programme, now in its ninth year, celebrates inspiring UK business owners who have launched an enterprise using finance from the government-backed scheme.
This year, fourteen Ambassadors have been selected as they demonstrate the resilience, creativity, and determination required to make a smaller business successful, and to provide inspiration for entrepreneurs across the UK.
As a specialist Business Support Partner to British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans scheme, X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) has provided millions of pounds in finance to members of the Armed Forces community to help realise their entrepreneurial ambitions.
MEET THE AMBASSADORS
Phil Williams – Armed Forces Ambassador
Phil Williams, co-founder of Krapow Thai, took out a loan of £24,000 via XFE – the 3000th person to do so – to start a Warrington-based restaurant serves authentic Thai food which is all freshly prepared to order. The business was set up by Phil, who has had a 17-year-long career in the British Army as part of the Royal Dragoon Guards, and his Thai partner Chanisara.
Phil used the loan to buy the kitchen, pay tradespeople and buy fixtures and fittings for its opening. The restaurant is decorated with authentic decorations from Chanisara’s family in Thailand and Phil’s regimental flag is proudly displayed on its walls.
Jamie Parker – South West Ambassador
Jamie Parker, founder of Bang Bang Boxing, took out a loan of £15,000 via X Forces Enterprise to start the business. The boxing gym offers competitive boxing training as well as fitness classes open to all ages including over 50s and kids’ boxercise sessions, circuit training, self-defence classes and family fun classes on a Saturday.
Jamie used his loan to help with the fit out of the space and for purchasing equipment such as weights, the boxing ring and running machines. As part of the process, he transformed a derelict building which had been empty for around 15 years with the help of local volunteers.
The 2024 Ambassadors were introduced at a dedicated event in central London that marked the start of a year-long programme which will see them take part in a series of local and national activities, helping inspire and encourage aspiring start-up founders to take the leap into business ownership.
Welcoming the announcement of the new Start Up Loans Ambassadors, Ren Kapur MBE – CEO and Founder of XFE – commented:
“As the official Business Support Partner for the Armed Forces community, we’re proud to have supported Phil and Jamie and are delighted to see them appointed as a Start Up Loans Ambassadors where they’ll inspire others to pursue fulfilling independent careers in business.
“They are powerful examples of the way veterans continue to serve their communities after their military careers and reflect the diversity of organisations that are supported with Start Up Loans through X-Forces Enterprise.”
To learn more about the Start Up Loans funding support available through XFE, click here.