Putting fire behind UK business through bounce back loan scheme
Barrow-upon-Humber based business, Holistic Fire Safety Limited, has secured a £25k Bounce Back Loan from Santander UK to meet growing demand as workers across the UK return to the office.
Entrepreneur and fire safety expert William Davidson founded the business at the end of 2019 and had been operating for just eight months before coronavirus swept the UK. The business offers nationwide fire risk assessments by third party accredited assessors, as well as inspections, support on fire safety strategy and emergency planning, and training around fire safety.
Following weeks of enforced closure due to lockdown, Holistic Fire Safety is now busier than ever with a backlog of customers and a growing list of new clients growing daily.
The funding will enable Holistic Fire Safety Limited to serve more customers across the UK – through the purchase of a new vehicle – and has enabled the business to meet ongoing cashflow issues following the closure of many businesses during lockdown.
As well as supporting with a Bounce Back Loan, Santander also introduced the business to #GrowMySME and the Humber Growth Hub who specialise in supporting local start-ups. Following the introduction, William was able to successfully apply for an information communication and technology (ICT) grant. He used the grant to purchase essential ICT equipment that has enabled the expansion of the business and improved the service offered to customers.
William Davidson, owner, Holistic Fire Safety Limited, commented: “Without the assistance provided by Jason and the team at Santander, the period of lockdown and subsequent weeks would have been a very different story; the funding received has enabled the business to continue, develop and expand. Never has it been more important to ensure safety and continuity to business operations”
Jason Harros, business banking manager, Santander UK, commented: “As a relatively new business, this funding will be integral in helping Holistic Fire Safety Limited build a strong customer base across the UK. I’m delighted that we have been able to support this fledgling business as well as introducing them to other local business support organisations to help the business to thrive.”
Santander UK is hosting a series of free ‘Survive and Revive’ webinars for SMEs on how to bolster their business proposition. Covering a range of topics – from innovating effectively to aligning purpose and culture – our experts delve into some of the ways in which businesses have adjusted, and thrived, since the outbreak of coronavirus. You can find these webinars and a list of other helpful resources at www.santanderbreakthrough.co.uk/coronavirus.