Niall backs start-up loans plan

Niall backs start-up loans plan

30 October 2019

THE founder of a Castlewellan business which makes an intelligent outdoor storage solution has been chosen to champion UK start-ups by the government-backed Start-Up Loans programme.

Niall Greenan from The Smart Bunker was one of 10 business founders honoured at a reception at Westminster last week to celebrate some of the UK’s most successful small businesses. 

The Smart Bunker is an easy-to-use dispensing system which releases coal with a simple pull of a lever to fill the bucket to the required amount that can be carried.

Mr Greenan (45), came up with the idea when he realised how difficult it was for his mother, who has arthritis, to fill a coal bucket from her traditional coal bin.

He used a £5,000 Start-Up Loan to develop the device, which has gone on to win several awards. 

Mr Greenan has also expanded The Smart Bunker to include safe storage of wood pellets, ice treatment and animal feed. 

The product has attracted attention for its sustainability credentials, providing a good alternative to the plastic bags usually used 

for agricultural storage. The delivery team also offers a service to refill the smart bunkers and recycle plastic bags to save them from landfill. 

Michael McQuillan, chief executive of Enterprise Northern Ireland, said: “The Start-Up Loans programme is important to Northern Irish businesses, providing start-up ventures access to supportive guidance and funding. 

“Niall Greenan is an exemplar ambassador. With the right guidance and timely support Niall has applied his innovative approach and enterprising spirit to propel the multi-award winning The Smart Bunker on to the world stage.” 

The Westminster reception kick-started a year-long programme that will see the ambassadors take part in a series of local and national activities, where they will offer advice to other aspiring business owners about becoming their own boss. 

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.