BCRS Business Loans puts its weight behind young St. David’s surfer

A promising young St. David’s surfer has gained sponsorship from BCRS Business Loans as the company backs his quest to progress onto the worldwide surfing circuit.

Elijah Jones, 16, a promising young surfer whose rapid progress and competitive results have marked him as one to watch in the UK surfing scene, has, to date, competed mainly in Welsh competitions, but thanks to this support is now looking to the next chapter.

Elijah explains: “From a young age I have loved being in the water and when I was 12 I decided to commit to surfing and am more determined than ever to turn my dream to compete internationally into a reality.

“During the most recent competitions I have placed well, coming first in the Welsh Under 18 National Longboard, second in the Shortboard and third in the Men’s Longboard, but now I want to take my surfing to the next level.

“Having the support of BCRS Business Loans means a lot – it’s great that they have confidence in me to succeed. Equipment and travel costs quickly mount up in a sport like surfing and this support will help a great deal.”

Elijah has just finished his GCSE’s at St. David’s High School and plans to spend the summer surfing as much as possible before going on to study A-Levels in maths, further maths, physics and chemistry.

Elijah’s father, Jonathan, added: “Elijah is a determined youngster and I am so proud of his achievements. Not only has he placed well in competitions, but he’s a member of the Welsh Surf Team, the Welsh U21 Progression Squad and the GB Surf Advanced U21’s – not bad for a boy of 16!

“The support from BCRS Business Loans is great and I know how much Elijah is looking forward to surfing whilst proudly displaying their name on his board.”

Stephen Deakin, chief executive at BCRS Business Loans, said:  “For the past year we’ve supported the Welsh Surfing Championships and it was in this competition that we noticed Elijah, and saw what a promising young athlete he was, so are thrilled to take our support to the next level.

“We are proud to back Elijah as he embarks on competitions outside the UK and look forward to what the next season holds.”

Since BCRS was founded as a community development financial institution in 2002, it has provided loans worth more than £100m to businesses across the West Midlands and Wales. A social impact report for the last financial year showed BCRS lent £10.2m to 112 businesses, safeguarding 895 jobs and creating 260 roles, adding £53m in value to the economy of the West Midlands, surrounding regions and Wales.

To find out more and apply for funding, visit: www.bcrs.org.uk