SWIG Finance

02/09/2026

Are you looking to grow a creative side hustle? According to Start Up Loans, two in five workers in the UK are doing just that.

Not only could a side hustle generate an additional income stream, it’s also a great way to hone your creative skills.

In this article from Start Up Loans, they share their top tips to get you started.

Read the blog here:
https://www.startuploans.co.uk/support-and-guidance/business-guidance/business-inspiration/how-to-grow-a-creative-side-hustle

British Business Bank

26/08/2026

Devon chef, Paul Hegley, buys a successful restaurant with a funding package delivered by SWIG Finance.

The funding for the buy-out consisted of an £80k business loan from the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund and £25k from the Bank’s Start Up Loans programme.

Of the funding, Paul said: “The loans were essential for the business acquisition, I wouldn’t have been able to build all the things we have planned for Verse Kingsbridge now, without them. The process was straightforward and I’m so grateful to Jim and Jules, and the team at SWIG”

Lizzy Upton, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, commented: “The South West Investment Fund is helping ambitious entrepreneurs across the region access the finance they need to start and grow their businesses. By combining support from SWIF and the Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, Paul and Hayley have been able to turn their vision into reality, safeguarding jobs and supporting the local hospitality economy.”

Read the case study here: https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/devon-chef-buys-successful-restaurant-with-swig-funding/

Devon-based chef, Paul Hegley, has acquired an established and well-loved restaurant, thanks to £105k in funding delivered by SWIG Finance.

17/08/2026

Do you want to be your own boss? We have funding available to support new entrepreneurs.

If you’re looking for funding to get your new business off the ground, a Start Up Loan could be the perfect option.

Through British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, we typically support two entrepreneurs with funding every working day.

To discuss your requirements, get in touch on [email protected]

Alternatively, visit our website for more information: https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/start-up-loans/

13/08/2026

If you’re looking to start, scale, or grow your business, SWIG Finance is here to help.

We have funding to support your business at every stage of its lifecycle.

Here’s just some of the loan purposes we can support:
☑️ Starting a new business
☑️ Purchasing an existing business
☑️ Launching a new product or service
☑️ Equipment upgrades
☑️ Working capital
☑️ Marketing investments
☑️ Staff, recruitment and upskilling

To learn more, or to apply for a loan, visit our website: https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/

Alternatively, contact us on [email protected] or 01872 227 930.

12/08/2026

A Greek restaurant in Bristol has expanded with a new wine bar, thanks to a £95k South West Investment Fund loan delivered by SWIG Finance.

Located just a short walk from Bristol Hippodrome, Rhapsody Wine Bar is a popular spot for pre-theatre drinks and Mediterranean small plates, with staff on hand to recommend the ideal wine pairing.

Co-owner Christina Kremmyda said “Without our loan from the South West Investment Fund, we wouldn’t have been able to bring our vision to life and refurbish as we hoped. We’ve also created two full-time job positions for the wine bar.”

Lizzy Upton, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, said: “The South West Investment Fund exists to help smaller businesses turn ambitious plans into reality. In a region known for its thriving independent hospitality sector, Rhapsody Wine Bar is a great example of how access to finance can help established businesses grow, create jobs and enhance the region’s hospitality offer.”

Read the case study here: https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/greek-restaurant-opens-new-wine-bar-with-95k-loan/

A popular Greek restaurant in Bristol has expanded by opening a wine bar next door after securing a £95,000 loan from SWIG Finance.

10/08/2026

🙋🏽‍♀️ Are you a female business owner looking for funding? We want to support you.

We understand that approaching lenders can seem daunting, but we do things a little differently at SWIG Finance.

Because we base our lending decisions on potential, not just balance sheets, our lending teams work to understand your business, the people behind it, and your future plans.

We offer funding to suit every stage of the business lifecycle, from starting a new business to growing an established one, and our funding can be used to support a range of requirements.

Visit our website to find out more: www.swigfinance.co.uk

Alternatively, get in touch on [email protected] / 01872 227 930

30/07/2026

Have you got a great idea for a new business but need funding to make it happen?

That’s exactly what the Start Up Loans programme is here for.

Start Up Loans supports new and early-stage businesses that have been trading for less than 5 years and can help with a range of requirements, including business launches, product launches, stock and materials costs, equipment and tech investments, and more.

If your business is based in the South West and needs funding to start or grow, get in touch on [email protected] or 01872 227 932.

Alternatively, you can find out more, or start your application, here: https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/start-up-loans/

26/07/2026

🦀 A claw-some business idea.

Cornwall crab meat supplier Got Crabs Cornwall has been able to purchase a special tank for its catch thanks to £33k in Start Up Loan funding.

Co-Founder, Tim Werger, said: “The interest rate was fantastic, and the process was great, especially the due diligence. Like us, it was all about doing things properly.”

Read the case study here: https://lnkd.in/eZmhAwGy

24/07/2026

🎉 We’d like to take a moment to highlight our Associate Business Manager, Adele Jones who has hit the £1m lent milestone since joining the team in 2023!

Thanks to Adele, 24 small businesses have been supported with £1.2m in funding. Well done, Adele – keep up the hard work.

23/07/2026

Has your business been unable to get growth funding from its bank?
If so, your local CDFI could help you.

Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) are more than just alternative lenders. We take a relationship-based approach to lending, with decisions made by experienced people who look beyond credit scores and security to understand your business, its potential and your plans for growth.

At SWIG Finance, we support small businesses across the South and West Country with funding for growth, investment, acquisitions, refinancing and working capital.

If you’d like to discuss your options, contact us on 01872 227 930 or [email protected]

Visit our website for more information: https://lnkd.in/dsddrKW