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
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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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Very thorough and detailed process
Very thorough and detailed process, very helpful when starting up a business. Highly recommend.
5 August 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Dear Bob,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us some feedback.
We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your application process along with the service provided to you by your advisor!
Thank you for using our services and we wish you best of luck with your business.
Kindest,
Cynthia M
Customer Service Advisor
Start Up Loans Company
A Great Experience in the End!
A Great Experience in the End!
At first, my experience was frustrating, and I previously shared a negative review. However, things turned around, and I was contacted again. Thanks to the incredible support and kindness of my loan advisor Mahdi, my application was finally approved! He was patient, professional, and always there to guide me through the process.
I’m truly grateful for the help I received, and I’m happy to say that the outcome was very positive. As a small business owner, this support means a lot. I’m now giving 5 stars and hope others have just as good an experience moving forward.
Thank you again, especially to Mahdi, for all your help!
30 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Hi Sevil,
Many thanks for taking the time to share your feedback.
I’m glad to hear that we managed to turn things around and that, overall, you had a positive experience and got your loan approved. Thanks for letting us know that your business advisor Mahdi was so professional, kind and provided you with all the support you needed to complete your application.
We wish you best luck with your business.
Kind regards,
Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company
Great experince working with Start Up…
Great experince working with Start Up Loans Zoe was absolutely amazing throughout the whole process! She was so sweet, supportive, and made everything run smoothly from start to finish. Thanks to her help, I got the business loan without any stress. Couldn't have done it without her—thank you, Zoe!
25 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Hi Helen,
Thanks for taking the time to send us your feedback.
We are thrilled to hear that you had a great application experience and that your Business Advisor Zoe was so helpful and provided all the support you needed throughout your application process.
We wish you all the best with your business.
Kind regards,
Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company
Don't even bother
Don't even bother. The lady kept saying she will get in touch with me and kept hearing nothing.
24 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Hi Ger Lewis,
Thanks for your feedback.
I’m sorry to hear that you haven’t heard from your Business Advisor yet - and your disappointment with the application process.
We take your feedback seriously and if you want us to look at this, please do reach out to us at hello@startuploans.co.uk
Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company
Great Company & Excellent Experience
My experience was exceptionally good and Zoe explained the process simply, effectively and professionally. I have nothing but praise for the team and especially the support from Zoe.
18 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Hi Kevin,
Many thanks for your positive words.
We are glad to know that your application experience was exceptional, and that your Business Advisor Zoe provided you with all the support you needed professionally and making it simple.
Thanks for using our services and wish you best of luck with your business.
Kind regards,
Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company
The whole process was quick
The whole process was quick, efficient, instructions and templates were clear and the team was approachable and supporting.
11 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Hi Matthew,
Many thanks for your feedback.
It makes us very happy to know that you found the application process quick, efficient, clear, and that you had all the support you needed to complete your application.
Thanks for using our services and wish you best of luck with your business.
Kind regards,
Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company
Fantastic experience
Fantastic experience, super helpful business advisor and business manager from let’s do business. Simple process, all completed and approved within 3 or 4 weeks.
12 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Hi Debbie,
Many thanks for your positive words.
We’re thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic experience and that you received all the support you needed from your Business Support Partner Let’s Do Business Finance.
Thanks for using our services and wish you best of luck with your business.
Kind regards,
Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company
Fantastic experience from start to…
Fantastic experience from start to finish. Application process straight forward, business plan and cash flow forecast takes a long time to complete but this is vital to ensuring your business is viable. Contact was great, always same day or next day.
What I was surprised about was the efficiency. From application to having my loan approved was 2 weeks. Bear in mind that I was very on the ball with requests for further information and normally sent it within the hour. If your business idea is viable and you put together a detailed and comprehensive business plan then I don’t see how you could have experience.
Highly recommended.
12 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Hi Dominic,
Many thanks for your feedback.
We’re glad to hear that you had a fantastic experience from start to finish and that you found the application process straight forward. We appreciate you pointing out that having a clear business plan and cash flow forecast is fundamental to assess the viability of the business – being proactive in terms of completing these documents could indeed speed up the application process.
Thanks for recommending our services and wish you best of luck with your business.
Kind regards,
Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company
Positive and Encouraging
I have had a wonderful experience with the fantastic and friendly team associated with Start Up Loans. My first point of contact was with the lovely April, who was kind and incredibly helpful with the advice she gave me in relation to the initial stages of the loan. She made a daunting experience less so and helped me tremendously with advice on the requirements of the initial loan. After the first stage of the application was completed it was passed on to the delightful and cheery Rekha, whose enthusiasm and drive were exactly what was required at such a vulnerable time. Rekha not only treated me with such care and kindness but showered me with so much respect and positivity that I felt undeserving of such treatment. There were times that I really was unsure about the business, never mind the actual loan but the reassurance offered to me not only kept me steady but provided me with so much encouragement that I began to believe in myself.
I have truly have had a wonderful experience working with Rekha and the team at Start up Loans, that I am sorry to see the end of application process.
I would highly recommend anyone considering a loan with the Start Up and are a little unsure on whether it is for them, to shake of those concerns and proceed with gusto. Not only will you be assigned with the capable and kind staff members, you'll also be provided with great advice.
I would also like to add that the repayment amount and time offered is very reasonable, especially compared to the other options out there. Please don't just take my advice, apply and see for yourself!
8 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Hi Sandra,
Many thanks for your great feedback.
We’re thrilled to know that you had a wonderful experience with our Business Support Partners, and that your business advisors April and Rekha gave you a good idea about how the application process works so you well prepared for it, reassuring, encouraging and giving you the confidence you needed to complete our application.
We highly appreciate you recommending our services and wish you best of luck with your business.
Kind regards,
Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company
Extremely helpful and user-friendly on…
Extremely helpful and user-friendly on all aspects of the process. Many thanks for all your help and support thus far, which is immensely appreciated!
8 July 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Hi Saura,
Many thanks for your positive comments.
We are glad to hear that the application process wasn’t that difficult for you to navigate, and that you received all the support you needed to complete your application.
We wish you best of luck with your business.
Kind regards,
Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company
Reply from Start Up Loans
Hi Shaunna,
Many thanks for your clear and concise feedback, it is highly appreciated. 😊
We wish you the best of luck with your business.
Warm regards,
Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company
Quick and professional service with…
Quick and professional service with excellent support and help along the way.
12 June 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Hi Louis,
Many thanks for your positive feedback.
We are thrilled to know that your Business Advisor provided a professional support and service throughout your application process.
We wish you the best of luck with your business.
Kind regards,
Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company
Great support throughout
Since the moment I applied for the loan, I have received help and guidance throughout the whole process. The application form is user-friendly, and I was kept informed at all times of the progress of my application. I am very pleased with the experience.
7 June 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Hi Gina,
Many thanks for your positive comments!
It makes us really happy to know that had all the support you needed to complete your application, that you found it user-friendly and were kept informed throughout the whole process.
We wish you the best of luck with your business.
Kind regards,
Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
Update - Misconduct,policy time-frames ignored & case Mishandled
UPDATE ON MY CASE.Read my previous reviews below
I asked,for a manager to call me back on Monday (02/May) and was assured someone would ring within three working days. It’s now Friday and I’ve had no call, no e-mail, not even an acknowledgement.
I have spent over 1 Month chasing this company regarding my apeal which was dismissed without through Investigation which was not done properly.
That’s particularly disappointing because your own Complaints Handling Policy says customers should “expect a reply from a SUL representative within two working days” and, if an issue can’t be resolved straight away, you will send a written acknowledgement within three working days and keep the customer updated until things are fixed, aiming for a full response within eight weeks.
Yet I have heard nothing.
None of those commitments have been met in my case.
I have now been Forced to taken action through other means.
My case was dismissed & ignored without proper review.
6 June 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Hi Kamil,
Thanks for your feedback.
I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t get your call back on due time as requested, and that you are still chasing for an update on your appeal. Please be advised that appeals can take up to two weeks for an outcome to be reached, but sometimes it can take longer depending on the complexity of the case and the volume of cases our internal team is dealing with.
As mentioned before, If you haven’t heard from a senior member of the team, please do reach out to us via email at hello@startuploans.co.uk, so we can look at this for you.
Again, apologies for any inconvenience this has caused.
Kind regards,
Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company
Applying for a loan is never easy
Applying for a loan is never easy, however this was a great introduction to running a business. This entire process was helped along with my advisor, L.
She really pushed me to examine my proposal, focusing on the potential mistakes I could have made. I believe this is one of the best banking for SME experiences one could have, its an amazing product that's aimed at giving people's ideas reality.
Many thanks to all of the team who have helped me.
23 May 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Hi Robert,
Many thanks for your feedback.
It makes us very happy to know that you had the support needed to obtain the funds. We also appreciate you pointing out the important role of your business advisor and the rest of the team supporting you with your application.
Best of luck with your business.
Kind regards,
Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company
My honest experience
I'm sharing an honest review based on my personal experience with obtaining a business loan. First and foremost, this review is entirely my own and not influenced in any way.
Before applying, I came across many negative reviews—mostly from people frustrated by loan rejections or unsatisfactory experiences with business advisors. However, my experience was quite different. I came fully prepared, ready to answer any question thrown my way. At the end of the day, building a business requires a solid understanding of your operations, goals, and financials. Being well-prepared not only boosts your confidence but also enables your business advisor to support you effectively.
If you're entering this process without a clear plan or knowledge of your business, it's unrealistic to expect strong guidance or the outcome you’re hoping for.
I began my loan application on April 17, and in just 28 days, everything was approved. I want to extend a sincere thank you to my business advisor, Sergio, and to the panel team for believing in the potential of my business.
Lastly, don’t let negative reviews shape your expectations—try it yourself and form your own opinion.
17 May 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Hi Adam,
Many thanks for your comments! They reflect very well what is expected throughout the application process.
We’re glad to hear that you were fully prepared and ready for your application process, as that indeed helped reach an outcome sooner. Thank you also for pointing out the support you received from your Business Advisor Sergio and the approval panel to successfully obtain the funds.
We wish you the best of luck with your business.
Kind regards,
Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company
Very swift and very supportive
Very swift and very supportive throughout the whole process. I was given advice, recommendations, and lots of reassurance. Thank you James
13 May 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Hi there,
We appreciate your feedback very much, many thanks!
We’re delighted to hear that your experience with your Business Support Partner was so positive. It’s great to know that your Business Advisor James provided such a valuable support to you.
All the very best with the business.
Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company
Reply from Start Up Loans
Hi Phillip,
Thanks for sharing your experience.
It is rewarding to know that you found the application process professional and efficient.
All the very best with the business.
Best,
Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company
The staff allocated to my file were…
The staff allocated to my file were professional and approachable. They handled my case skillfully with patience and valued my contribution. Their professionalism is of high standard.
They kept me updated on every step of the process, explaining everything requirement with clarity. They were always accessible and willing to support during the whole process.
9 May 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Hi Jeanette,
Many thanks for your fantastic feedback!
It always makes us happy to hear that your Business Support Partner provided all the support you needed throughout your application process, and that this was delivered professionally and taking onboard your contribution.
Best of luck with your business!
Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company
Make your dreams come true
Everyone needs a little help. I have the idea of running my own business for years but only now is that dream becoming a reality. Being able to obtain some financial support to help get started, is the push I have always needed.
9 May 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Start Up Loans
Hi Mark,
Your feedback is highly appreciated, many thanks. We’re glad to know that you had all the support you needed for your dreams to become a reality.
We wish you all the success with your business.
Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company
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