Start Up Loans Reviews 

486
TrustScore 4 out of 5

4.2

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Evaluating 76 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers frequently praise the helpful, professional staff for providing clear guidance and making the entire application process feel straightforward and personal. People note that advisors are exceptionally supportive, breaking down complicated financial terminology and ensuring a very smooth journey from start to finish. However, some customers also noted frustrating communication delays and a concerning lack of updates regarding their loan applications. A few reviewers experienced exceptionally slow responses from the support team, leaving them waiting weeks without proper feedback or answers. Others mentioned tedious paperwork loops and difficulties getting timely assistance when trying to track their progress.

What people talk about most

Staff

Reviewers mention positive feedback about staff, highlighting their professionalism, patience, and constant... See more

Customer service

Consumers find customer service to be exceptionally helpful and supportive throughout the application... See more

Service

People report satisfaction with the service, highlighting a seamless, prompt, and professional application... See more

User experience

Users describe positive interactions with user_experience, highlighting that the application process is... See more

Response time

Clients share ambiguous opinions on response time with high disagreement. Many reviewers praise the team for... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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

  1. Money & Insurance

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

4.2

Great

TrustScore 4 out of 5

486 reviews

5-star
4-star
3-star
2-star
1-star

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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4.2

All reviews

(486)

72 reviews in the last 12 months

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Companies on Trustpilot aren't allowed to offer incentives or pay to hide reviews. Reviews are the opinions of individual users and not of Trustpilot. Read more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great help for business start up

I applied for a startup loan and my application was picked up immediately. My Business advisor was very helpful and knowledgable. It was a good experience. Thank you.

30 September 2024
Unprompted review
Start Up Loans logo

Reply from Start Up Loans

Hi Helen,

Thank you for your positive words! We're glad to hear your Start Up Loan application went smoothly and that your business advisor was helpful. Best of luck with your new venture.

Best regards,
Felipe, Start Up Loans Customer Service Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Leigh has been exceptional

Leigh has been exceptional, especially considering her relatively short time with the company. She consistently provides top-notch service and is always available to assist at every stage. Even when there were no major updates, Leigh went above and beyond to keep me fully informed throughout the process. With her dedication and hard work, I have no doubt that Leigh will excel in this business. I cannot express enough gratitude for her support in getting my business up and running. Despite battling a cold, she remained on top of her game. Thank you immensely for everything, Leigh

30 September 2024
Unprompted review
Start Up Loans logo

Reply from Start Up Loans

Hi Colin,

Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so pleased to hear about your positive experience with your Business Advisor Leigh. Her dedication and commitment to providing exceptional service truly stood out, and it's great to know she kept you informed throughout the process. We appreciated your kind words and are excited to support your business journey.

Kind regards,

Felipe, Start Up Loans Customer Service Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great Experience

After a shaky start with Declan that has since left which delayed the process by a month. I then had contact from Thomas Morgan that has been professional, quick in helping me turn the delayed loan around & very helpful in submitting the request with very quick updates. Great experience Thank you.

25 September 2024
Unprompted review
Start Up Loans logo

Reply from Start Up Loans

Hi JvH,

Thanks for a lot for taking the time to post a review.

I’m sorry to hear that the start of the process wasn’t as expected but we’re happy to know that this was turned around by your Business Advisor Thomas Morgan and they support he provided throughout the rest of the application process. Best of luck with your business!

Best regards,

Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

first applying for the loan,Carla kept…

first applying for the loan,Carla kept ed me up to date with the process and i understood everything explained,response was quick and helpful. i was made to feel calm and positive.
Julie was great at explaining all i needed to know in detail and answered any questions i had in a way i fully understood the answers. i was kept update constantly and everything was within the time frame i was provided. The process moved quickly and smoothly. I made to feel confident and comfortable to get int-och with juile if i was needing too. i felt at ease on the phone calls too.

9 August 2024
Unprompted review
Start Up Loans logo

Reply from Start Up Loans

Hi Emma,

Many thanks for your review, we really appreciate it!

We’re glad to know that your Business Advisor Carla and Julie kept you updated and explained the process in detail so you could easily understand it, and the support they both provided was reassuring and encouraging.

We wish you all the best with your business!

Kind regards,

Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We had a good experience from start to…

We had a good experience from start to finish of the Application . Our allocated partner Keith Stoke was very professional, thorough and helpful.

E. Cornwall

11 September 2024
Unprompted review
Start Up Loans logo

Reply from Start Up Loans

Hi Erroll,

Many thanks for your positive review!

It’s great to know that you have a good application experience and that you received the support you needed by your Business Advisor Keith Stoke throughout your Start Up Loan application. We wish best of luck with your business!

Kind regards,

Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

If you are thinking of doing it, DO IT TODAY !

As someone very risk-averse at the start of the process, I found Robert Moody brilliant to work with. He walked me through the whole process step by step to ensure I was making the right decision for the business. He was even available out of hours when an urgent question arose. I will 100% be recommending both Biz Britain & Robert.

9 September 2024
Unprompted review
Start Up Loans logo

Reply from Start Up Loans

Hi Paul,

Thank you so much for your fantastic review!

We’re happy to hear that your Business Advisor Robert Moody from BizBritain provided such great assistance throughout your Start Up Loan application. We wish you best of luck with your business, and thanks for the recommendation!

Kind regards,

Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Waste of space and time

The divide between the business advisor, who seem to know what he was doing and recommended my business and the actual understanding of the business by the SULCO's team is bigger than the grand canyon .Passed all the credit checks , they had to check twice because the spelled my name wrong , which means I now have to wait 6 months for my credit score to reset . They also temporarily demolished the hopes of a up and coming young entrepeneur that placed a lot of faith in the process based on a balanced and positive attitude from our business advisor . In the end it is a "personal loan " do yourself a favour and apply at your business bank slightly higher interest rate without all the empty promises .As a start up we already had most of the equipment required and have proven via a test run that the business do have the potential of growing . Waste of space this lot ,David on the other hand was worth talking to and I know he tried his best . Thx David

26 August 2024
Unprompted review
Start Up Loans logo

Reply from Start Up Loans

Hi Hendrik,

I am very sorry to hear that your application journey didn’t go well, and that you felt a disconnection between SULCO and your Business Support Partner.

Regarding the credit check, please note that it’s the applicant who provides their personal details, including their full name, and confirms the accuracy of this information before consenting to the credit check. We understand that credit checks can have an impact on your credit history, and while they are necessary to assess initial loan eligibility, they are only one part of the process. Passing this stage doesn’t guarantee loan approval, as further assessments are required.

During these assessments, we carefully review key business documents to evaluate the viability and sustainability of the business, as well as the applicant's ability to make repayments. It’s a combination of these factors that helps determine the final outcome.

If you’d like to discuss your situation in more detail, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hello@startuploans.co.uk. We’d be happy to explore this further with you.

Kind regards.

Felipe
Senior Customer Service Advisor
The Start-Up Loans Company

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Small Business Startup Loan

If you're thinking of starting up a new business, then I highly recommend this company. I had an amazing advisor (David), who went over and beyond to help me through the whole process, I can't thank him enough. Now the fun begins, can't wait to get started.

2 September 2024
Unprompted review
Start Up Loans logo

Reply from Start Up Loans

Dear William,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your Business Advisor David provided such exceptional support throughout your Start Up Loan application process. It’s fantastic to know you’re excited to get started on your new business venture.

Best of luck with your new business, and thanks again for the recommendation!

Kind regards,
Saj, Start Up Loans Customer Service Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Letitia Letitia Letitia....Legend

Letiita, honestly is really knowledge in her job and very well understands business needs. It was such a smooth hassle free process with her. Quick 45 minute call and after that everything was served on a plate.

Thank you for giving me and my business a chance!

30 August 2024
Unprompted review
Start Up Loans logo

Reply from Start Up Loans

Dear Ehtasham,

Thank you for the amazing review!

We’re thrilled to hear how much your Business Advisor's knowledge and understanding made the process smooth and hassle-free for you. A quick and efficient experience is exactly what we strive for, and we're so glad your business advisor was able to deliver that.

We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to her. Thank you again for choosing us and best of luck with your business!

Kind regards,
Saj, Start Up Loans Customer Service Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A seamless experience, thanks to Letitia.

I cannot express enough gratitude to Letitia for her exceptional assistance in helping me secure my business loan. From the very beginning, she was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive. Letitia took the time to understand my business needs and guided me through every step of the process, ensuring all the details were in place. Her dedication and expertise made a significant difference, and I truly felt like she was personally invested in my success. Thanks to her, my loan was approved quickly and smoothly. I highly recommend Letitia to anyone going through the application process!

15 August 2024
Unprompted review
Start Up Loans logo

Reply from Start Up Loans

Dear Sharon,

Thank you so much for your fantastic review!

We're delighted to hear that your Business Advisor provided such exceptional support throughout your business loan process. Her dedication to understanding your needs and guiding you every step of the way truly reflects her commitment to helping our clients succeed.

We're thrilled everything went smoothly and quickly for you, and we’ll be sure to share your kind words with your business advisor. Thanks again for the heartfelt recommendation!

Kind regards,
Saj, Start Up Loans Customer Service Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I recently had the pleasure of working…

I recently had the pleasure of working with Arafat on securing a business loan, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the experience. Initially, I was concerned about how long the process might take and was worried that communication with the organization would be challenging. However, Arafat completely turned this around for me. He made the entire application process incredibly smooth and efficient.

What really stood out was how Arafat kept me informed every step of the way. I always knew exactly what was required from me, which gave me confidence and peace of mind throughout the process. His professionalism and clear communication made all the difference, and I’m truly grateful for his assistance.

23 August 2024
Unprompted review
Start Up Loans logo

Reply from Start Up Loans

Dear Will,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review!

We're delighted to hear that your Business Advisor Arafat was able to make your business loan application process smooth and efficient. Keeping our customers informed and confident is one of our top priorities, and we're glad Arafat's professionalism and clear communication made a positive impact on your experience.

We truly appreciate your kind words and are grateful for the opportunity to assist you! all the very best with the business.

Kind regards,
Saj, Start Up Loans Customer Service Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

5 STARS !

Without Letitia, I would have crumpled . She was such a help and her guidance was invaluable .

Thank you so much for getting me over the line Letitia !

15 August 2024
Unprompted review
Start Up Loans logo

Reply from Start Up Loans

Hi there,

Thank you so much for your kind review!

We're thrilled to hear how much your Business Advisor's guidance meant to you during the process. It’s wonderful to know she was able to provide the support you needed to cross the finish line. We’ll be sure to share your appreciation with her!

Thanks again for sharing your experience. All the best!

Kind regards,
Saj, Start Up Loans Customer Service Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Letitia, You are Star

Letitia, you are a star!!

Thanks for all your help and support during the application process. Helping to shape the business forecast and making sure the numbers are right. I can now start my business with much need finance. Thank you.

13 August 2024
Unprompted review
Start Up Loans logo

Reply from Start Up Loans

Hello there,

Thank you for the fantastic review!

We're so glad to hear that Letitia your business advisor was able to support you through the application process and help shape your business forecast. It's wonderful to know that you're ready to start your business with the necessary finance.

We wish you all the best!

Kind regards,
Saj, Start Up Loans Customer Service Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Life Saver . Many thanks

I have absolutely no idea what would I have done whout your help. No way I would be able to manage. I can't thank you enough. Thank you for everything especially your patience and understanding throughout the application process

16 August 2024
Unprompted review
Start Up Loans logo

Reply from Start Up Loans

Dear Judy,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review!

We're thrilled we could assist you when you needed it most. We strive to be patient and understanding with our customers to ensure they feel fully supported throughout the process. We're glad everything worked out for you, and we truly appreciate your kind words.

Thanks again for your trust and for sharing your experience!

Kind regards,
Saj, Start Up Loans Customer Service Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Will highly recommend Start Up Loans

I had a great experience with Startup Loans. The application helped me to shape my business idea, improve it and have a realistic sales forecast. Letitia, my business advisor was not only thorough but highly experienced and provided the appropriate support required. I’ll highly recommend SUL to any SMEs looking for extra financial / business support.

31 July 2024
Unprompted review
Start Up Loans logo

Reply from Start Up Loans

Dear Toju,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review!

We’re delighted to hear that your experience with Start Up Loans was positive and that the application process helped refine your business idea and sales forecast. It’s great to know that your Business Advisor's Letitia’s expertise and support were valuable to you.

We truly appreciate your recommendation and are here to assist any SMEs seeking financial or business support. We wish you all the very best!

Kind regards,
Saj, Start Up Loans Customer Service Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I think they overpromise and under…

I think they overpromise via their marketing and under deliver. Real opportunities are being killed I beleive. They wasted my time and pls remember guys, their initial credit search will affect your records and scores negatively instantly. But my first business manager was straightforward. I think you must outline clearly all thr processes from the home page so everyone understands the complete process as well as impact on their credit scores that your search will print
- Response to Reply
Why can't you then perform the credit check after initial assessment?

20 July 2024
Unprompted review
Start Up Loans logo

Reply from Start Up Loans

Hello there,

Thank you for sharing your feedback. I’m sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations and that you feel our services have negatively impacted your credit score. We strive to be transparent about our processes and the potential impacts.

We are committed to transparency, and all information about the application process is available on our website. Before proceeding with a credit check, you are required to consent to a full credit check by ticking the consent box. We also provide detailed information about the application process, credit checks, and the required documents on our site.

We conduct a personal credit check to avoid increasing financial indebtedness that may overburden an individual borrower. However, we aim to offer funding to those who might not be able to obtain credit elsewhere, allowing us to be more flexible than other lenders

Additionally, our business support partners make lending decisions based on your credit check in conjunction with key documents such as your Business Plan, Cash Flow Forecast, and Personal Survival Budget. They may also request bank statements to ensure due diligence and responsible lending. Please note that the entire process, from start to finish, can take up to 8 weeks.

If you’d like to discuss your concerns further, please feel free to reach out to us at hello@startuploans.co.uk. We value your input and are committed to improving based on your experience.

Kind regards,
Saj, Start Up Loans Customer Service Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great experience

Great experience from what could have been quite a nerve racking process! Mostly due to having a fantastic business advisor from NWES, Letitia, who was always on hand to answer any questions and problem solve. Thank you!

30 July 2024
Unprompted review
Start Up Loans logo

Reply from Start Up Loans

Dear Holly,

Thank you for your positive review! We're thrilled to hear that your experience was smooth and reassuring, thanks in large part to your business advisor Letitia's support. It's wonderful to know she could help ease any nerves and address your questions effectively.

We wish you all the best with your business. Thank you once again for your kind words!

Kind regards,
Saj, Start Up Loans Customer Service Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Success!

Although lengthy, a straight forward process with strong support along the way.

Our BA Letitia (NWES) was a great help from beginning to end, very friendly, professional, and very quick to support any questions we had along the way.

Now having completed the process, I believe we have a much better understanding of our new business and are in a better position to succeed. Thanks again Letitia, really couldn't have asked for anything more!

30 July 2024
Unprompted review
Start Up Loans logo

Reply from Start Up Loans

Dear Charlie,

Thank you for your wonderful feedback!

We're glad to hear that the process, while lengthy, was straightforward and that you felt supported every step of the way. Very pleased to hear that you had a wonderful experience with your business advisor.

Congratulations on completing the process, and we're delighted to hear that you now have a stronger understanding of your business.

We wish you all the best in your journey ahead.

Kind regards,
Saj, Start Up Loans Customer Service Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Easy experience

Letitia was absolutely wonderful. We had barely any knowledge of what to do and she talked us through the entire process. We had a very easy experience and didnt have any worries with any part of the process.

1 June 2024
Unprompted review
Start Up Loans logo

Reply from Start Up Loans

Dear Marged,

Thank you so much for your kind words!

We're delighted to hear that you had an easy experience. So pleased to hear that you found your Business Advisor Letitia very helpful. We're glad she was able to guide you through the process smoothly.

We wish you the best of luck with your business.

Kind regards,
Saj, Start Up Loans Customer Service Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

How you showed commitment to a client.

How you showed commitment to a client.

12 July 2024
Unprompted review
Start Up Loans logo

Reply from Start Up Loans

Dear Charles,

Thank you for your positive review!

We're thrilled to hear that our commitment to you made a difference. Our team is dedicated to going the extra mile for our customers, and your feedback motivates us to continue providing exceptional service.

We wish you all very best!

Kind regards,
Saj, Start Up Loans Customer Service Team

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