Govt backed start-up lender hires Citypress

Start Up Loans, a Government-backed scheme which provides loans, mentoring and support for new and early stage businesses, has selected Citypress as its retained PR agency following a competitive pitch.

Citypress will provide a newsroom service for Start Up Loans and a series of campaigns designed to encourage a new generation of microbusiness owners. It will also position the organisation as the first choice for start-ups.

The agency aims to reach a broad demographic by targeting national media as well as a mix of broadcast, lifestyle, online and social media.

Martin Currie, Citypress MD, said: “So much of the media narrative around start ups and microbusinesses focuses on high-growth tech enterprises. Start Up Loans isn’t all about funding the next Uber or Snapchat – it’s about helping normal people make positive changes in their lives and become their own boss, especially when other avenues for funding may be closed, whether that’s a tech business, a craft brewery, a kids play gym or a deli.

“Despite a lot of alternative providers entering the small business funding arena, no other brand has the same authority, proposition, track record, trust or focus on microbusiness than Start Up Loans. This – and the success stories of its loan recipients – is where we’ll be focusing our work.”

David English, Start Up Loans CMO, said: “This year, we’re embarking on a major drive to increase our support to those people with viable business ideas or ventures and continue making a positive economic impact through the scheme. Citypress will be playing an important role in helping us deliver on our ambitions as a brand and a business with inspiring content for media and our full range of communications channels.”

Start Up Loans was  founded in 2012 and provides low interest rate personal loans of up to £25,000 to help people start up or grow their business, alongside a range of free mentoring and support services.

Pictured: Pip and Nut, a Start Up Loan funded business.