From Military Service to Culinary Success
Former British Army soldier Phil Williams is making waves in the business world with the successful launch of Krapow Thai Restaurant in Warrington town centre. After a 17-year career in the military, serving with the Royal Dragoon Guards, Phil decided to pursue his long-held dream of opening a restaurant with his Thai partner, Chanisara. The couple recognized a growing demand for authentic Thai cuisine in the area and saw an opportunity to fill that niche.
Securing Funding for Entrepreneurial Dreams
To bring their vision to life, Phil secured a £24,000 Start Up Loan from X-Forces Enterprise. This financial support was instrumental in purchasing necessary equipment for the kitchen, hiring tradespeople, and acquiring fixtures and fittings for the restaurant’s grand opening. The Start Up Loans programme, backed by the UK government, aims to empower aspiring business owners like Phil to turn their dreams into reality.
The annual Start Up Loans Ambassadors programme, now in its ninth year, recognizes and celebrates UK entrepreneurs who have successfully launched businesses with the help of the scheme. Phil’s resilience, creativity, and determination in building Krapow Thai Restaurant have earned him a spot among the 2024 Ambassadors. His inspiring journey serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for budding entrepreneurs across the country.
Inspiring Others Through Success
As a newly appointed Start Up Loans Ambassador, Phil is eager to share his entrepreneurial journey and inspire others who are considering starting their own businesses. Transitioning from a military career to the culinary world was a bold move for Phil, but one that has paid off handsomely. He and Chanisara have ambitious plans to grow their revenue by 25% in the coming years, a testament to their determination and hard work.
Delyth Edwards, senior network manager for the North West of England at the British Business Bank, commended Phil’s dedication and drive in navigating the challenges of business ownership. She expressed excitement about working with Phil to amplify his story and encourage more individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Ren Kapur MBE, CEO of X-Forces Enterprise, highlighted Phil as a shining example of the adaptability and tenacity exhibited by military entrepreneurs.
Since its inception, the Start Up Loans programme has provided over 115,000 loans to business owners across the UK, totaling more than £1.1 billion in financing. Phil’s success story with Krapow Thai Restaurant is just one of many inspiring tales emerging from the programme, showcasing the transformative power of entrepreneurship and innovation in driving economic growth and prosperity.
The 2024 Ambassadors, including Phil Williams, will participate in a series of local and national activities throughout the year to engage with aspiring start-up founders and offer guidance and support. Their collective experiences and insights will serve as a source of inspiration for individuals looking to take the leap into business ownership and make their entrepreneurial dreams a reality.
As Phil continues to steer Krapow Thai Restaurant towards greater success, his journey serves as a reminder of the limitless possibilities that await those with the vision, determination, and courage to pursue their passions. Through his role as a Start Up Loans Ambassador, Phil is poised to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and shape the future landscape of business in the UK and beyond.