GC Business Finance Start Up Loans team records strongest quarter to date as demand for early-stage finance surges

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.

GCBF, a leading alternative finance provider which delivers Start Up Loans on behalf of the British Business Bank, continues to play a pivotal role in supporting new businesses across the UK.

The record-breaking quarter reflects growing demand for early-stage finance and the increasing visibility of GCBF’s involvement in the delivery of the Start Up Loans programme nationwide, following its appointment as one of the programme’s national Business Support Partners in 2023.

Since then, the Start Up Loans team at GCBF has quadrupled in size and helped thousands of entrepreneurs access vital finance and one-to-one support, with nearly 10,000 loans delivered through GCBF to date.

Since the Start Up Loans programme was established in 2012, more than £1.1bn has been delivered across more than 125,000 loans, with GC Business Finance being a notable part of that success.

A recent Start Up Loan recipient supported by GCBF is Lytham-based Craft + Common, which secured £50,000 in total across loans to two directors to open its first craft studio and bar. Following its success, it has since self-funded two further store openings, with more planned for the future.

Reclaim Tentwear, a sustainable fashion business, also secured a Start Up Loan from GCBF, receiving over £10,000 of funding to purchase a hydraulic press, which will help him to make clothing faster. The funding will also support marketing efforts to raise brand awareness and reach new customers.

Alex Mearns, Head of Start Up Lending at GC Business Finance, said: “This has been a landmark quarter for our Start Up Loans team and the figures are a clear reflection of the increasing demand for early-stage finance, along with GCBF’s ability to meet this demand across the UK. We’re now supporting more entrepreneurs than ever, helping them access the finance they need to get ideas off the ground, grow their businesses and contribute to the wider economy.

“We’re continuing to expand our team in response to growing demand and look forward to supporting even more new ventures in the months and years ahead.”

Louise McCoy, Commercial Managing Director, Small Business Lending, British Business Bank, said: “GC Business Finance continues to play a vital role in delivering Start Up Loans to businesses across the UK. Its Q1 performance highlights the strong appetite for early-stage finance and the value of a delivery partner that combines national reach with personalised support.”