Nottinghamshire entrepreneur named 2024 Start Up Loans Ambassador

Alexandra Perry, the founder of H.E.R Bodywear in Nottinghamshire and a two-time breast cancer survivor, has been named as one of Start Up Loans’ 2024/25 Ambassadors.

She is one of 14 business owners from across the UK chosen for this honour, recognising inspiring examples of UK start-ups supported by the government-backed programme.

Perry launched her business with a £14,500 loan from First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans in 2023, which helped her initiate production and marketing for her unique product line.

H.E.R Bodywear designs and sells bodywear specifically for women who have undergone breast cancer or cosmetic breast surgery.

Perry’s personal experience with breast cancer highlighted the lack of attractive and functional post-surgery bras, which motivated her to create a line of medically approved, stylish, and empowering bodywear.

Her bras are designed to help women regain confidence, offering bold and modern options for all body types

The Start Up Loans Ambassadors programme, now in its ninth year, recognises small business owners who have successfully launched enterprises with the support of the scheme.

Since its inception, the Start Up Loans programme has provided over £1.1bn in finance to more than 115,000 businesses across the UK.

Alexandra Perry, founder of H.E.R Bodywear, said: “Since I founded my business I have received tremendous support and have been able to share my story across multiple platforms. To be chosen as the Ambassador for the East Midlands as an example as a success from the Start Up Loans programme is flattering and further extension for that support I have received – I am excited to see what’s next for my business.”