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X-Forces Enterprise is delighted to announce that two Armed Forces veterans 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, each demonstrating the resilience, creativity, and determination required to make a small business successful, and to provide inspiration for entrepreneurs across the UK. Two of the 2024/25 Ambassadors are Armed Forces veterans and were supported in their businesses by X-Forces Enterprise (XFE): Jamie Parker and Phil Williams.
As a Specialist Business Support Partner to British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans scheme, XFE has provided millions of pounds in finance to members of the Armed Forces community to help realise their entrepreneurial ambitions.
MEET THE AMBASSADORS
Jamie Parker – Bang Bang Boxing, Crediton South West Start Up Loans Ambassador
Jamie Parker, founder of Bang Bang Boxing, took out a Start Up 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.
Phil Williams – Krapow Thai Restaurant, Warrington Ex-Forces Start Up Loans Ambassador
Phil Williams, co-founder of Krapow Thai, took out a Start Up Loan of £24,000 via X-Forces Enterprise – the 3000th person to do so – to start a Warrington-based restaurant serving 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.
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.
Ren Kapur MBE – CEO and Founder of XFE:
“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.”
Richard Bearman – Managing Director of Small Business Lending, British Business Bank:
“I am delighted to welcome the new cohort of Start Up Loans Ambassadors, and I’m particularly excited that we’ve been able to add two additional business owners as Ambassadors this year – one from the ex-forces community and one representing Gen Z.
All 14 of our Ambassadors have inspiring stories and represent the breadth and diversity of the UK’s smaller business community. These entrepreneurs are vital for our economy, and their success fuels our nation’s growth and prosperity.”
Gareth Thomas MP – Minister for Services, Small Business and Exports:
“These new ambassadors are prime examples of the innovation and ingenuity of the UK’s small firms. Access to finance is crucial for SMEs to succeed, and the Start Up Loan scheme is a lightning rod to that success. We know that when small businesses are given the tools to thrive, it leads to growth, more jobs and helps to boost the whole economy.”
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To learn more about the Start Up Loans funding support available through XFE, click here: x-forces.com/funding
