An inspiring community of small businesses

There are 5.6 million small businesses in the UK, accounting for 99% of all private companies. From bakers to candlestick makers, the breadth, variety and individuality of all those businesses we think is something to be celebrated. Small businesses across the UK come to us to help finance a huge range of projects, business needs or whatever their next step may be. We wanted to give a shout out to some of the quirky, cool or unusual businesses that help make up the inspiring community of UK SMEs.   

LOCH LOMOND SEAPLANES

Since 2003, Loch Lomond Seaplanes have been offering a unique, once in a lifetime experience – they give thrill seekers the opportunity to take a seaplane tour over the beautiful Loch Lomond National park. The team fly over 200 flights per month, carrying over 8,000 passengers a year. One of their seaplanes even flew the last leg of the baton relay around the world for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. David and his team have continued to grow and expand after borrowing  £330,000 through Funding Circle.

If you would like to see the beautiful views of Loch Lomond National Park and you’re not afraid of heights then make sure to arrange your visit on their website.

GREEN OIL UK LIMITED

After taking a business loan for £15,000, Simon Nash of Green Oil UK Limited has been able to provide cyclists with a greener alternative. In 2007, Simon Nash realised that there was no UK biodegradable lubricant on the market, so he decided to start making his own formula in his shed. By taking finance, Simon could invest in his business and take it to the next level. Green Oil now creates a range of bicycle maintenance fluids that are non-polluting. 

Do you reckon yourself as an avid cyclist? Make the move to greener products from Green Oil UK.

EXCITING ESCAPES LIMITED

Do you back yourself as a good problem solver? A good team-player and cool under pressure? If so you can put your skills to the test with Exciting Escapes. Based in Hampshire, they are one of the UK’s leading ‘Escape Room’ experience companies, providing unforgettable experiences for over 75,000 customers. The aim of the game is to piece all the clues together and beat the clock to escape the room. Exciting Escapes was able to expand to a new site in London thanks to a £75,000 business loan through Funding Circle.

If you’re based near Southampton, Basingstoke or Portsmouth then you can take on various missions for British intelligence! Check out their website for more details.

THE RADICAL TEA TOWEL COMPANY LTD

The Radical Tea Towel Company was founded by Luke Pearce and his family in South Wales. They manufacture and sell a range of historical, political and literary gifts, including tea towels, mugs, aprons, cards and oven gloves –  the perfect birthday or Christmas present! Luke and his family borrowed £200,000 earlier in the year to purchase new stock, helping them grow far quicker than could have done without finance.

Whether you’re looking for someone else or want to show of your own beliefs,  take a look at the incredible designs of The Radical Tea Towel company on their website and check out their blog on worldwide radical history.

STEPHAN KNIGHT PRODUCTIONS LTD

Stephan Knight Productions produce all manner of great films, from music videos to adverts to promos. They have worked with the likes of Rag ’N’ Bone Man, Anna-Marie, Jorga Smith and James Blake! The company borrowed £40,000 across 3 loans to invest in more complex and expensive film equipment. 

To find out more about the amazing work of Stephan Knight, check out his website and all his collaborations.

FULGUR LIMITED

Fulgur Press is a leading independent publisher for esotericism and magic in visual culture. Working with artists, writers and editors who explore ideas of agency and enchantment, they want to celebrate and further the tradition of esoteric thinking, and help it expand into new directions. Fulgur borrowed £50,000 through Funding Circle to boost their working capital.

To find out more about the ideas of Fulgur and all the artists they support, visit their website.