‘Rugby is a perfect fit for running a business – because both take grit and determination'
Funding Circle's partnership with Premiership Rugby is now in its third successive year, helping to foster the entrepreneurial spirit of a growing number of professional rugby players with small- to medium-sized enterprises [SMEs].
Founded in 2010, Funding Circle is the leading online platform for business loans in the UK and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
It has helped more than 103,000 UK businesses to borrow £13.6billion in order to grow, and a central part of its ethos is backing small businesses with the finance they need to succeed.
It has worked with England internationals Sam Underhill, George Ford and Ellis Genge, among others, with their respective business interests away from the game.
Alexander Allen
Alexander Allen, the company's UK managing director and chief customer officer explains: 'We chose to partner with Premiership Rugby in 2022 because our missions are so aligned.
'Funding Circle is all about supporting small businesses that help local communities thrive, and local businesses are at the heart of the league.
'It's our mission at Funding Circle to help small businesses get access to the finance they need because we believe businesses are vital to the economic success of local communities.
'Similarly, Premiership Rugby is committed to using rugby and its values to create better outcomes for communities so we see a really natural link there.
'We were also really attracted to Premiership Rugby because the game has such a strong tradition of values that resonate for Funding Circle and our customers.
'It takes grit, determination and discipline to run a business and we see the same values reflected in the game of rugby.'
Sale Sharks fly-half Ford runs a coffee shop and restaurant, Bath Rugby back-rower Underhill operates a mobile coffee business and Bristol Bears prop Genge has a gym as one of his business ventures.
Allen continues: 'There's a really strong entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of rugby, with many players building up businesses throughout and after their professional playing careers.
'Sam, George and Ellis are great examples of that – these are incredibly talented athletes who also have the drive to create something more.
'All three players have taken a passion and turned it into a business that not only supports their own families but their local communities – all while juggling a demanding professional career.
'That drive and determination is reflected in small-business owners across the country – and we're proud to support it.'
Funding Circle helps small businesses tackle challenges and grow with access to fast, hassle-free finance, from simple business loans and FlexiPay, a flexible line of credit, to their new Cashback business credit card.
As well as supporting SMEs with finance, it has also boosted the UK economy and communities alike. In partnership with Oxford Economics, Funding Circle's lending in 2024 contributed £7.2 billion to the UK's GDP and played a pivotal role in supporting over 87,000 jobs. Additionally, the economic activity supported by these loans generated £2 billion in tax receipts.
In the past two seasons, Funding Circle has been working with Premiership Rugby with a rallying call of: 'We've got your back' to provide the finance for businesses to succeed.
Funding Circle aims to raise awareness of the brand among SME owners and decision makers as the leading online destination for SMEs to find fast, simple business finance.
Allen says: 'We're using our partnership to tell the stories of players who are doing something amazing outside of their playing careers, because we think this gives fans a really compelling insight into what makes these players so successful and special.
'It's great to be able to shine a spotlight on what happens off the pitch, as well as on it.
'Seeing a different side to players from clubs across the league hopefully gives fans a deeper understanding of what makes their favourite players tick – and might also inspire them to follow their business dreams.
'Our goal with the partnership is to make more rugby fans aware of Funding Circle, so that when they need finance for their business they'll think of us.
'Through our partnership with Premiership Rugby we hope to reach more local businesses and let them know that finance is accessible, to help them grow.
'We'll evaluate the success of the partnership based on the proportion of Premiership Rugby and wider-spread rugby fans who are familiar with our brand and would consider coming to Funding Circle for their business finance needs.
'An added bonus for us would also be seeing an increase in support for the fantastic companies run by Sam, George and Ellis. They are all great examples of the best of British small businesses.'
Funding Circle, business finance that backs you
Funding Circle knows that, just as rugby players can't win matches by themselves, business owners thrive with the right backing. The online platform for business finance has backed more than 110,000 UK businesses to borrow £14.6 billion – and counting.
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