Jamie Parker, founder of Bang Bang Boxing, a community boxing gym in Devon, is among 14 businesses announced today as Start Up Loans’ 2024 Ambassadors.

With the enthusiastic support of the local community, the army veteran transformed a derelict building, which had been empty for around 15 years, to create the first dedicated boxing gym in the heart of Crediton.

Bang Bang Boxing offers competitive boxing training as well as fitness classes open to all ages including over 50s and kids’ boxercise sessions, circuit training, self-defence classes and family fun classes on a Saturday.

Parker also ran a free summer club throughout the school holidays supported by Crediton Town Council and has partnered with the Amber Foundation to offer support to young adults facing complex challenges.

He first discovered his passion for boxing during his 11 years serving with the British Army and after moving to the small town of Crediton two years ago he found there were no facilities in the area. 

He took out a Start Up Loan of £15,000 via X-Forces Enterprise in 2024 to start the business and launched his own community crowdfunding appeal. He used his loan to help with the fit out of the space and for purchasing equipment such as weights, the boxing ring and running machines. 

“This isn’t just a boxing gym, it’s a community space that can provide opportunity,” he said. 

“We’re working with wellbeing services in the area to help turn this into a community hub which can help people who have lost their way in life.”

The annual Start Up Loans Ambassadors programme, now in its ninth year, celebrates inspiring UK business owners who have launched an enterprise using finance from the government-backed scheme. The Ambassadors have been selected as they demonstrate the resilience, creativity, and determination required to make a smaller business successful, and to provide inspiration for entrepreneurs across the UK. 

Parker added: “It’s been quite a journey transforming this derelict building into a business and community space that we can be proud of. The process of getting financial support from the programme was very smooth and the help with the business plan was invaluable, and the level of community support has been amazing. I’m thrilled to be representing Start Up Loans as their South West Ambassador and I hope to encourage other small businesses and entrepreneurs with an idea to make use of the wonderful opportunity that the Start Up Loans programme provides.”

This year, in addition to 12 Ambassadors drawn from each of the UK’s Nations and regions, two more Ambassadors have been selected. These business owners represent two important groups supported by the programme, who may face challenges in accessing funding elsewhere – one from the ex-forces community and the other from the 18-24 Gen Z age group. 

The 2024 Ambassadors will be introduced at an event in central London that marks the start of a year-long programme which will see the new Ambassadors take part in a series of local and national activities, helping inspire and encourage aspiring start-up founders to take the leap into business ownership. 

Louise McCoy, commercial managing director, small business lending, British Business Bank said: “I am delighted to welcome Jamie Parker, owner of Bang Bang Boxing, as the new Ambassador for the South West. He embodies the determination and drive that is required of a business owner in the current climate. I know that Jamie will inspire others to follow their dream of becoming a business owner and I am very much looking forward to working with him and helping to share his inspiring story.” 

Ren Kapur MBE, CEO of X-Forces Enterprise, said: “Jamie Parker is a powerful example of the way veterans continue to serve their communities after their military careers and reflects the diversity of organisations that are supported with Start Up Loans through X-Forces Enterprise, as the official Business Support Partner for the Armed Forces community. Jamie’s dedication to starting a community boxing club is a shining example of the drive and commitment veterans bring to making a positive impact. We’re proud to have supported Jamie, and we’re confident that as a Start Up Loans Ambassador, he’ll inspire others to channel their skills into meaningful projects.”

Small Business Minister Gareth Thomas said: “These new ambassadors are prime examples of the innovation and ingenuity of the UK’s small firms. Access to finance is crucial for SMEs to succeed, and the Start Up Loan scheme is a lightning rod to that success. We know that when small businesses are given the tools to thrive, it leads to growth, more jobs and helps to boost the whole economy.”