GCBF Delivers Record-Breaking Quarter with £7.2m in Start Up Loans
- Monday, July 28, 2025
- Posted By The Growth Company
GC Business Finance (GCBF) has recorded its strongest-ever quarter for start up loans delivery, issuing 609 loans worth a total of £7.2 million between April and June 2025 – a 12.5% increase on the same period last year.
As a key delivery partner for the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme, GCBF continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting emerging businesses nationwide. The exceptional quarterly results underscore both the rising demand for early-stage financing and GCBF's expanding influence within the programme since becoming a national Business Support Partner in 2023.
Following its appointment as a national partner, GCBF's Start Up Loans division has experienced remarkable expansion, with the team growing fourfold to meet increasing demand. The company has now facilitated nearly 10,000 loans through the programme, providing crucial financial support and personalised guidance to thousands of entrepreneurs across the UK.
The Start Up Loans programme, launched in 2012, has achieved significant milestones with over £1.1 billion distributed through more than 125,000 loans, with GCBF playing an increasingly important role in this success story.
Recent beneficiaries of GCBF's Start Up Loans include:
Craft + Common - The Lytham-based business secured £50,000 across loans to two directors, enabling them to launch their inaugural craft studio and bar. The venture's early success has since allowed for self-funded expansion with two additional locations and further growth planned.
Reclaim Tentwear - This sustainable fashion enterprise received over £10,000 in funding to purchase essential equipment including a hydraulic press to accelerate production capabilities, while also supporting marketing initiatives to enhance brand visibility and customer reach.
Alex Mearns, Head of Start Up Lending at GC Business Finance, commented: "This landmark quarter demonstrates both the surging demand for early-stage finance and our team's exceptional ability to meet that demand across the UK. We're supporting more entrepreneurs than ever before, providing the essential funding and guidance needed to transform innovative ideas into thriving businesses that contribute meaningfully to our economy.
"Our continued team expansion reflects this growing demand, and we're excited to support even more ambitious ventures in the coming months and years."
Louise McCoy, Commercial Managing Director for Small Business Lending at the British Business Bank, added: "GC Business Finance remains an invaluable delivery partner for Start Up Loans across the UK. Their outstanding Q1 performance clearly demonstrates the strong market appetite for early-stage finance and showcases the effectiveness of combining national reach with tailored, personal support for emerging businesses."
About GC Business Finance GC Business Finance is a leading alternative finance provider delivering Start Up Loans on behalf of the British Business Bank, supporting new businesses across the UK with vital funding and expert guidance.
About Start Up Loans The Start Up Loans programme provides government-backed funding and mentoring support to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.