Gloucestershire

Since its inception in 2003 Gloucestershire Development Loan Fund made a significant impact on the county’s economy agreeing loans in excess of £600,000 to more than 90 businesses. In 2008 it entered into partnership with Fredericks Foundation enabling it to retain its existing staff and to strengthen its presence with an active local advisory board.

With support from local business and community interests Fredericks Gloucestershire continues to help people who have had trouble raising finance from the mainstream lenders to start up or expand existing businesses.

In the current economic climate, such Community Loan Funds will surely play an increasingly important role in funding both new and established businesses and combating financial exclusion.

In the short term, Fredericks Gloucestershire wants to give people the opportunity to make a positive change in their lives, while its long-term aim is to provide funding for businesses and social enterprises that will improve their communities and help work towards economic development and regeneration across the county.

After being made redundant in 2009, Peter worked on his business plan to set up as a licensed waste carrier for both commercial and domestic waste. He attended the Business Link workshops www.businesslink.gov.uk and worked with the Princes Trust, unfortunately they were unable to provide Peter with the start up capital required and so Peter became Fredericks Wiltshire's first client.