Latest news with #StartUpLoans
Daily Record
17-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
New Dumfries golf simulator business offers chance to take on world-famous courses
CL Golf is the brainchild of Ross Murray and caters for all ages and abilities. A new golf simulator business has opened in Dumfries. Champions Links Golf (CL Golf) offers people the chance to test their skills on world-famous courses. The three-bay venue on Academy Street caters for all ages and abilities, with a variety of fun-focused games. CL Golf is the brainchild of golf enthusiast Ross Murray and has been made possible thanks to a £15,000 loan from DSL Business Finance through the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme. Ross said: 'There's nothing quite like the feeling of hitting a great shot, and I wanted to create a space where people could enjoy that – regardless of experience. 'Whether you're just getting into the game or have been playing for years, CL Golf is about enjoying it your way. 'The simulators are incredibly accurate and give personalised feedback in a relaxed environment, which takes the pressure off. It's the perfect place to practice what you've picked up from YouTube or just come along for a bit of fun.' Ross was inspired by a lifelong love of golf to swap his career as a store manager in retail to launch the venture – which is all about playing for fun. The AI powered Trackman i0 system provides incredibly realistic graphics, instant feedback on swing data and the chance to virtually play more than 300 iconic courses – including Open venues Royal Troon and the Old Course at St Andrews. There are also interactive mini-games, making it ideal for casual players, families and groups of friends. Ross's use of AI puts him ahead of the curve, with new research by Start Up Loans, conducted by YouGov, revealing that just 36 per cent of microbusinesses currently use AI tools, and only a third of smaller business owners have even a basic understanding of the technology. Loan officer at DSL Business Finance, Lindsay Hamilton, said: 'It was a pleasure working with Ross to help him achieve his dream. 'He is clearly passionate about golf and it's great that DSL Business Finance have been able to support him to develop this passion into a business that will definitely bring something new and different to the local community.'
The Herald Scotland
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
'I swapped the bustle of London for a slower pace in Shetland'
Ms Barwick said: 'That first holiday was a bit of a reset. The landscapes, the wildlife, the sense of calm – it all just made sense. We came back a few times and realised, we don't actually want to live in a big city any longer.' The move marked a total lifestyle shift, and before long, Ms Barwick's background in textiles caught the attention of her new community. READ MORE: Glastonbury 2025 was my first ever festival - here's what I thought That encouragement sparked the idea for Shetland Stitch Club, a roving sewing initiative offering sociable, skills-based sessions in community venues across the isles. The first to pilot was the Lerwick Sewing Social, a weekly evening meet-up where people could work on their own sewing projects with guidance from Helen if needed. Open to everyone from complete beginners to seasoned stitchers, the sessions are designed to bring people together over a shared creative interest. Ms Barwick added: 'There are so many talented knitters in Shetland, but not many places focused on sewing. People told me they'd love to alter or customise clothes but didn't know where to start, or didn't have the right equipment. Others just wanted a space to sew with company. "Sewing often needs a lot of kit and space, so it's not easy to do at home. Shetland is an amazing place, but it can feel isolating – especially in the winter – so I hope the stitch club helps people to connect.' Shetland Stitch Club (Image: Supplied) The Lerwick Sewing Socials are currently on pause for the summer and will resume on Monday evenings at Islesburgh Community Centre from August 25, with bookings open via the website. To help get her idea off the ground, Helen secured a £3,000 loan from BizBritain through the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme, using the funding to buy a fleet of sewing machines. From autumn, Shetland Stitch Club will grow its offering with six-week courses and more sewing socials in different locations. Alongside her business, Helen also works part-time as a front-of-house supervisor at Mareel, Shetland's arts centre. In the future, she hopes to run classes for children during the school holidays and eventually establish a permanent base. Barry McCulloch, Senior Manager, UK Network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: 'Helen has clearly spotted a gap for sociable, skills-based sewing sessions in Shetland – and her story shows how small businesses can make a big difference locally. The Start Up Loans programme exists to support ideas like this that boost local economies and help communities thrive across Scotland.'
The Herald Scotland
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
First-generation Orkney farming couple target further growth
Their farm, A&M Jenkins, now manage 200 ewes across 180 acres and has recently completed its busiest lambing season yet, welcoming 300 new additions this spring. This has been possible after taking on additional land last year and loan support from DSL Business Finance through the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme. Alex, who spent more than 20 years as a gamekeeper in Aberdeenshire, didn't grow up on a farm but spent his youth around farming families and working with livestock and machinery on sporting estates, sparking an ambition for a career in agriculture. He and Marie are now part of a growing group of first-generation farmers, with a recent study by the University of Exeter finding that around 13% of UK farmers have entered the sector without a family background in it. 'We'd talked about starting our own farm for years, but it always felt out of reach," Alex said. "Our love for Orkney led us to originally buy the croft as a holiday home, but over time, we realised it had the potential to be something much bigger. "It's been tough at times – there's a lot to learn, and no two days are the same – but we've built it together and that makes it really rewarding. The funding for the tractor was a huge help and it's already making a big difference – it's one of those investments that saves you time, labour, and money all at once.' As well as running the farm business, Alex has been contracting for other farms on the island, including fencing and shearing work. The couple hope to eventually introduce cattle and continue growing the business, with the aim of potentially purchasing a larger farm on the island in the future. Price pledge as Glasgow's £300m heating scheme takes shape Construction of the South Clyde Energy Centre is under way in Glasgow (Image: Gren)
The Herald Scotland
06-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scots hospitality firm expects 'busier than ever' summer
The firm has used £20,000 of funding from the British Business Bank's Start Up loans programme to expand its headquarters in Sanquhar. Mr Gallacher, who set up Knockenhair in 2023, followed in the footsteps of his grandmother Nancy, who ran a similar business in the catering sector for 30 years before retiring in 2015. He studied professional cooking and hospitality management at Dumfries and Galloway College and started his own cake-making venture before deciding to take the family back to its hospitality roots. His grandmother, now 79, remains on hand as a source of advice and to test the firm's renowned strawberry tarts, of which more than 6,000 were made last year. Read more: Mr Gallacher said: 'While I was much too young to help out, I have fond memories of spending my weekends and school holidays pottering about in my gran's commercial kitchen and getting a taste of how the business worked – as well as trialling the recipes. Going to college to study hospitality was the obvious choice for me after finishing school and, following stints working in a couple of local bars and pubs, I felt that the time was right to give the catering business a go. 'The prep kitchen that my gran had used was still in decent condition, but now that I'm a couple of years into running the business, it feels like a good time to upgrade some of the equipment and increase the size of the space. It is still very much a family venture, and it is great to be able to get my gran's advice and also pick up again with some of the regular customers that she catered for years before. 'This summer we expect to be busier than ever with weddings and corporate events, covering everywhere from Glasgow to Carlisle.' Knockenhair Hospitality now has a team of 20 people and, further to the kitchen refurbishment, has plans to increase its footprint further in the coming years. Mr Gallacher was named young entrepreneur at the Dumfries and Galloway Life Awards in November. The Start Up Loans programme has now provided more than £75 million of funding to businesses in Scotland, with 8,000 loans provided to entrepreneurs. Barry McCulloch, senior manager, UK network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: 'Hospitality has been one of the core sectors that we have supported through the Start Up Loans programme in Scotland, so it is fitting to see the £75m milestone celebrated with Knockenhair Hospitality. The success to date highlights the effectiveness of the programme in addressing regional imbalances and access to finance among smaller businesses, which are of huge importance to the Scottish economy – particularly in rural communities.'
Scotsman
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Dramatic stretch of famed North Coast 500 route gains unique coffee roastery
'What started as a hobby during the pandemic quickly turned into something I was really passionate about' – David Davidson, founder Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A micro coffee roastery has been set up on one of the most scenic stretches of the iconic North Coast 500 route. David Davidson, founder of Applecross Roastery, is bringing specialty coffee to the northwest Highlands after turning his lockdown hobby into a fully-fledged business venture. Located on the Applecross peninsula, accessed by the dramatic Pass of the Cattle road, the new roastery will supply roasted beans to local cafés, restaurants and shops. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The venture has already secured wholesale partnerships with the Michelin Guide-recommended Walled Garden restaurant, Applecross Campsite, Applecross Bothy and the Applecross Inn. Retail bags will also be available at A&J Brown Grocers, with additional partnerships said to be in the works. David Davidson, founder of Applecross Roastery. Davidson moved to the area in 2018 and discovered his passion for coffee during the pandemic. With more time on his hands, he began taste testing beans from around the world while learning the roasting process. After completing a training course at the Scottish Barista Academy in 2023, he is now in the process of transforming part of the commercial kitchen at Applecross Campsite - where he also works - into a fully functioning roastery. To support the launch of the business, Davidson has secured funding from DSL Business Finance through the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme, helping cover the costs of initial stock and equipment. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Davidson said: 'What started as a hobby during the pandemic quickly turned into something I was really passionate about. Starting the business has been a great learning experience, and the support from DSL Business Finance with my business plan and cash flow forecasts has been invaluable. 'In the next five years, I hope Applecross Roastery becomes a staple in the area, supplying premium coffee across the peninsula and beyond. Supporting local businesses is more important than ever, and I'm grateful to be part of such a welcoming community.' The roastery is focusing on high-quality, sustainable coffee from countries such as Colombia, Rwanda and Tanzania - sourcing its beans from ethical importer Covoya. Davidson has also teamed up with local creative Valerie Hodgkinson, co-owner of Applecross Croft, to design the brand's logo and visual identity. Since its inception in 2012, the Start Up Loans programme has provided more than £4.4 million to fledgling businesses in the Highlands area. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Barry McCulloch, senior manager, UK network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: 'David's shift from hobbyist to entrepreneur is a brilliant example of how smaller businesses can start from humble beginnings and go on to have a big impact on rural communities. 'Applecross Roastery not only introduced a new supply chain to the area but also helped support other businesses, boosting the local economy. We're pleased to support David and look forward to seeing his business grow.'
