Business success thanks to loan initiative
An enterprising couple have been able to make their business dream a reality thanks to a loan initiative for start-up and existing small businesses from the Fredericks Foundation.
Ellie Preston-Gill and her husband John are now regulars at farmers' markets and plan to expand into festivals and local shops with their company Plain Fresh. Plain Fresh specialises in vegetarian pasties, burgers and breads using locally sourced produce.
But their plans initially hit a brick wall when due to previous problems with finance, Ellie and John could not obtain backing from the banks. They contacted Fredericks Wiltshire for funding and were eventually given the green light for their venture to go ahead. Now the couple who live in West Lavington have funding to support a temporary building where their specialities can be produced.
Fredericks Wiltshire is a scheme delivered by the Fredericks Foundation with financial backing and support from Wiltshire Council, GWE Business West Limited and The Wiltshire Assembly through the Action for Wiltshire programme. Action for Wiltshire was set up to tackle the effects of the recession and prepare for economic recovery.
Ellie explained:
“We live in the middle of a 100 acre woodland and due to the situation of our cottage we are not on the grid which makes it almost impossible to run a business from the premises. Although it is only early days, thanks to this loan, we feel that Plain Fresh will soon become a popular brand in the local produce market and will go from strength to strength.”
Alistair Cunningham, service director – economy and enterprise at Wiltshire Council, said:
“Wiltshire Council and its partners are delighted to be working with the Fredericks Foundation. The current climate is still very challenging, particularly for small enterprises, and some are being refused finance from their bank even though they are a viable business. This initiative is one of the ways we can support Wiltshire businesses through this period of economic recovery.”
Terri Stevenson, client manager for Wiltshire said:
"Fredericks Foundation is delighted to have made some loans in Wiltshire. Our fund is available to help any good business, so I would encourage people to get in touch for more information. Businesses are already making use of loans they have received from Fredericks Wiltshire to help create new jobs."
Anyone who has a business idea that needs micro-financing, can visit the Fredericks Foundation website or contact their local client manager on 01793 698023 for further details.
The Fredericks Foundation is a charity dedicated to supporting small-scale enterprise by providing loan finance where banks are unable to help. To be considered, a company must be able to demonstrate that an application for funds to a bank or mainstream lender has been turned down. Fredericks Wiltshire (part of Fredericks Foundation) is a charity that helps disadvantaged people to set up, or expand their own business as a means to achieve financial independence while rebuilding their confidence and self esteem.
