The founder of a Bristol business specialising in providing bespoke nutritional plans and advice has been chosen to champion UK start-ups.
Rosie Letts launched Rosie Letts Nutrition after developing an interest in nutrition while researching ways to tackle her own health problems, which included IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) and fatigue. 
With £10,000 from Start Up Loans – part of the British Business Bank – she set up the consultancy specialising in weight management, digestive health, fertility and sports nutrition.
The clinic develops nutrition and supplement plans tailored to people’s individual needs. Rosie also lectures on nutrition and is looking to expand her clinic to the US and Dubai.
Now she has become one of 10 business founders selected by Start Up Loans from across the UK to offer advice to other aspiring business owners about becoming their own boss.
The announcement was made at a reception on this week in the Houses of Parliament where some of the UK’s most successful small businesses were celebrated.
Guests included Lord Smith of Kelvin, chair of the British Business Bank, small business minister Kelly Tolhurst and Jonathan Reynolds, Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury.
The event kick-started a year-long programme during which the Start Up Loans Ambassadors will take part in a series of local and national activities.
Rosie said: “My story shows that if you believe in your idea and have the tenacity and determination to succeed, then anything is possible.
“The loan and support that I received from Start Up Loans made a huge difference to my business – I really wouldn’t be here without it.”
Now in its fourth year, the annual Ambassador programme celebrates exceptional business owners who have realised their ambition of becoming their own boss after receiving support from the Government-backed Start Up Loans programme.
The other Start Up Loans Ambassadors include a woman who created a brand of sportswear designed specifically for pregnant women and a former soldier who used his service experience to set up a telecoms company for the construction industry, specialising in rapid broadband and phone line connectivity.
Through a network of delivery partner organisations, the Start Up Loans programme provides pre-loan support to help applicants develop a business plan, a fixed-interest loan of up to £25,000 to start or develop their business, as well as mentoring to support new loan recipients throughout the early stages of their business journey.
Since 2012, the programme has delivered more than 67,000 loans to business owners across the UK amounting to more than £527m.
Some 40% went to women, 22% to people from a black and minority ethnic background and 35%) went to people who were previously unemployed.
Start Up Loans managing director Richard Bearman said: “Start Up Loans exists to ensure aspiring business owners and early stage businesses have access to the finance and support they need to thrive and we’re proud to have played a part in helping innovative companies like Rosie’s to start and grow.”
