Everything went smoothly from start to finish. Our admin team and business manager Habib were incredibly helpful offering plenty of advice and support. The initial paperwork is quite extensive but if... See more
Company replied
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Review summary
Created with AI, based on recent reviews
What people talk about most
Reviews shaping this summary
From the moment I applied the process was fantastic. My initial advisor was warm and friendly, anything advice I needed I was given. Once I had completed the initial assessment I was then handed ove... See more
Company replied
Very worthwhile experience. They are open to giving people an opportunity based on their business plan, rather than on a credit score. Great to be given a chance where others wouldn’t. The business pl... See more
Company replied
My advisor Suzy was excellent, always in my corner. Always explained things well and really fought my battle for me! My loan took a little longer than expected but Suzy was always reassuring and expla... See more
Company replied
Company details
Written by the company
The Start Up Loans Company was established in September 2012, with a mission to help new and early-stage UK businesses access affordable finance and mentoring support.
Contact info
Steel City House, S1 2GQ, Sheffield , United Kingdom
- www.startuploans.co.uk
4.2
Great
486 reviews
No recent history of asking for reviews
This company hasn't invited customers recently, so reviews may not be representative
Replied to 85% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 1 month
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Jane was really helpful is the process…
Jane was really helpful is the process of getting me up and running. It can be a tedious process but it’s definitely worth it in the end.
April 27, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Dear Jade,
Thank you so much for your positive feedback. We'll be sure to pass on your feedback to Jane.
We wish you all the best with your business journey!
Thanks,
Ryan
Customer Service Manager
The Start Up Loans Company
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I had a really positive experience with The British business Bank
I had a really positive experience with Start Up Loans / British Business Bank. The whole process was clear and well explained, and the team were very supportive throughout.
Communication was great – whenever I had questions or needed to provide extra information, everything was handled quickly and professionally. Even when additional checks were needed, the advisors were helpful and kept me informed.
I’ve now had confirmation that my loan has been approved and funds released, which I’m really pleased with. It’s a great opportunity to help get my business up and running.
I’d definitely recommend them to anyone looking to start or grow a business.
April 24, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Dear Carlie,
Thank you so much for your positive feedback and it's great to hear that your business is up and running.
We wish you all the best with your business journey!
Thanks,
Ryan
Customer Service Manager
The Start Up Loans Company
I enjoyed high quality and professional…
I enjoyed high quality and professional services all through the process leading to the Approval from Ford my BA
April 22, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Dear Mr Kehinde,
Thank you so much for your positive feedback. We'll be sure to pass on your kinds words to Ford.
We wish you all the best with your business journey!
Thanks,
Ryan
Customer Service Manager
The Start Up Loans Company
Second experience just as great as the first!
The second loan application was just as great of an experience as the first. Zoe just made the process so much easier for me, and I can't thank her enough for how much help and support she's given me through both loan applications. Especially as someone who finds financial terminology very boggling! Thank you again!
April 21, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Dear Lauren,
Thank you so much for your positive feedback and we are delighted to have supported you with a second loan. We'll be sure to pass on the feedback to Zoe.
We wish you all the best with your business journey!
Thanks,
Ryan
Customer Service Manager
The Start Up Loans Company
Zoe Burke helped me through everything…
Zoe Burke helped me through everything step by step a complete professional and honestly a very warm caring human being. Thank you Zoe.
April 17, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Dear Ifzal,
Thank you so much for your positive feedback. We'll be sure to pass the kind words on to Zoe.
We wish you all the best with your business journey!
Thanks,
Ryan
Customer Service Manager
The Start Up Loans Company
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Great support and easy process
Really positive experience from start to finish. The team made everything clear and easy to understand, and Peter at Enterprise NI was a big help with my business plan.
Communication was great throughout and the whole process felt straightforward. I’ve now been approved in principle and I’m looking forward to getting started.
Would definitely recommend.
April 15, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Dear Dmural,
Thank you so much for your positive feedback.
We wish you all the best with your business journey!
Thanks,
Ryan
Customer Service Manager
The Start Up Loans Company
Absolutely horrible experience with…
Absolutely horrible experience with Start Up Loans. I have filled in my application and did a initial credit check which is always a soft one before submitting the application, but they did not let me know and did not have my consent that it would be a hard check and now they have ruined my credit score without me submitting my application and now I'm stuck and not being able to apply for a loan somewhere else. I have contacted them and they just ingnored me and now I'm following this up with a third party to remove this hard credit check which was done without my consent.
March 4, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Dear Arash,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us some feedback.
We apologise for your experience thus far and would like to investigate this further for you.
Please can you reach out to Start Up Loans via hello@startuploans.co.uk or call 03442642600.
Many Thanks,
Ryan
Customer Service Manager
The Start Up Loans Company
Start up loans
Start up loans, and in particular, Nicole, has been fantastic, from start to finish. They provided support and guidance through the whole application process. I was able to message them with any questions and always got a prompt reply. I can’t thank them enough.
April 7, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Dear Caroline,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us some feedback!
It is great to hear that you felt well supported throughout your assessment and in turn was able to receive funding for your business!
We will be sure to let Nicole know of your feedback.
All the best with your business and thank you again for your feedback.
Kind regards,
Cynthia
Customer Service Advisor
The Start Up Loans Company
Gillian was fantastic throughout the…
Gillian was fantastic throughout the process. Very informative and talked me through everything. If I had any questions, she would always come back to me straight away
March 20, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Dear Toby,
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback!
We’re delighted to hear that Gillian provided such a supportive and informative experience throughout the process. It’s great to know she was able to answer your questions quickly and guide you every step of the way.
We’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to her.
Wishing you all the best with your business journey!
Regards
Cynthia
Customer Service Advisor
The Start Up Loans Company
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I had a very smooth and positive…
I had a very smooth and positive experience with the Start Up Loans process. The team was very helpful and supportive throughout my application. They guided me at every step and made everything easy to understand. I really appreciate the quick responses and professional service. Highly recommended for anyone looking to start a business.
March 23, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Hi Raymen Aaa,
Thank you so much for your kind feedback!
We're really pleased to hear that you had such a smooth and positive experience with the Start Up Loans process.
Our team works hard to provide clear guidance and timely support, so it’s great to know that this has made a difference for you.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and wish you every success with your business journey.
Regards,
Cynthia
Customer Service Advisor
The Start Up Loans Company
What an absolute joke of a system
What an absolute joke of a system
Went through the initial process on the 7th February. After begging and pleading for a response, it's now 20 March 2026, and the single-line answer is just some generic: "It's being reviewed." The communication from the person helping us was nothing short of abysmal.
March 20, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Dear WSheehan,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us some feedback.
We apologise for your experience thus far and would like to investigate this further for you.
Please can reach out to Start Up Loans via hello@startuploans.co.uk or call 03442642600.
Kindest
Cynthia
Customer Service Advisor
The Start Up Loans Company
IProfessional and quick to respond
It was quick and easy to speak to my advisor. I felt supported every step of the way and received replies almost immediately. I was given suggestions and advice on the business plan. A great experience
March 19, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Hi Guiseppe,
We appreciate the time taken to leave us such a lovely review.
We always strive to provide timely responses and helpful guidance on your business plan, so it’s great to know this has made a positive impact on your experience.
We truly appreciate you sharing this and wish you the best on your business endeavours!
Kindest,
Cynthia
Customer Service Advisor
The Start Up Loans Company
Very worthwhile experience
Very worthwhile experience. They are open to giving people an opportunity based on their business plan, rather than on a credit score. Great to be given a chance where others wouldn’t. The business plan completion also helps to give a great overview of expectations.
February 1, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Hi Luke,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us your feedback.
We aim to review all factors that is required to assess an application before an informed decision is made with the support of your business documents. So we are thrilled to hear that you found this helpful!
We wish you the best of luck with your business!
Kindest,
Cynthia
Customer Service Advisor
The Start Up Loans Company
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Fantastic help and service throughout…
Fantastic help and service throughout the process. Made the application process easy and answered all questions I had quickly and efficiently. Very good, would highly recommend.
February 16, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Dear Mitesh,
We appreciate the feedback and are thrilled you found the application process straightforward and supportive!
All the best on your endeavours.
Kindest,
Cynthia
Customer Service Advisor
The Start Up Loans Company
Good things good opportunities for…
Good things good opportunities for people
February 17, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Dear Bahas,
We appreciate the time taken to leave us some feedback and wish you the absolute best with your business endeavours!
Kindest,
Cynthia
Customer Service Advisor
The Start Up Loans Company
Well that's unfortunate.
Applied for a startup loan, 20% intended to cover business setup and supplier deposits, 80% to cover wholesale costs.
Loan panel were unwilling to fund the entire amount. I was advised instead to take the smaller portion, pay the deposits and make arrangements, then come back for the wholesale portion as the 'second loan'.
When I came back, I was refused the second loan on the grounds that I hadn't been trading and generating revenue for 90 days.
Leaving me with £5,000 of debt, a bunch of useless supply contracts, and a business that can't trade.
I would not have taken the initial loan at all if I'd been told upfront that 'second loans' required active trading.
My uploaded forecasts made it clear that the business wouldn't be able to trade with the smaller amount, so why was this even suggested?
(And for what it's worth, the past six months have also proven the Loan Panel's read on the market hilariously wrong!)
April 30, 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Dear Michael,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.
We are saddened to hear of your experience and would like to investigate this further.
Please reach out via email on: hello@startuploans.co.uk or 03442642600.
Regards,
Cynthia
Customer Service Advisor
The Start Up Loans Company
Very slow process but good support
The process was incredibly slow (slower than any other bank loan) to the point where they had to perform two hard credit checks. But, the support was good and the business advisor was excellent.
January 28, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Dear Jeremy,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us some feedback.
Our aim is to ensure each applicant feels valued for the time taken to submit their application and hope to provide transparency and guidance in relation to why the application may be extended.
We are sorry that the application assessment was long and hope in despite of this you were able to receive the outcome you were expecting!
All the best,
Cynthia
Customer Service Advisor
The Start Up Loans Company
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Jane Cusse has been great
Jane Cusse has been great. Easy to engage, communicative and very human, yet professional in her dealings with me.
I didn't really know what to expect going into the process, but it was not daunting. Like speaking to a work colleague. Thank you very much :-)
February 5, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Dear Lee,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a positive review of your experience with Jane.
We will be sure to notify her of how her support has helped you to secure funding for your business.
We wish you the best of luck with your endeavours!
Best,
Cynthia
Customer Service Advisor
The Start Up Loans Company
Life changing!
In my experience, this has been an incredibly supportive business loan application process from start to finish. I am genuinely overwhelmed by the award — it will truly change my life. I am so grateful to Christian and the team for their guidance, encouragement, and belief in both me and my business. Thank you.
Natasha
January 29, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Dear Natasha,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.
We are overjoyed to hear how appreciative you are of the Start Up Loan Scheme and how our support has helped grow the belief for your business.
We will be sure to pass your feedback to your advisor - Christian!
All the best with your business.
Kindest,
Cynthia
Customer Service Advisor
The Start Up Loans Company
Very positive experience
We had a very positive experience with the British Business Bank Start Up Loan process. The application was clear, straightforward, and easy to follow from start to finish.
The service we received from our Loan Officer, Gillian Ayton, was outstanding — she was professional, supportive, and extremely helpful throughout. We’re very grateful for her guidance and the overall support provided.
Thank you for making the process so smooth and accessible.
January 16, 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Dear Eduardo,
Thank you for leaving us some feedback.
Our aim is to ensure that our application process is as straight forward as it can possibly be, so we are thrilled to hear that you feel as though it is clear to understand.
We will be sure to refer your review to Gillian, so she is aware of how much you appreciate her professionalism and support throughout your assessment.
All the best with your business!
Sincerely,
Cynthia
Customer Service Advisor
The Start Up Loans Company
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