• Swindon & Wiltshire Innovation
• Wednesday April 30 2025

Wiltshire builder develops compact housing solution with Start Up Loan

A Wiltshire businessman has devised an alternative housing solution with the help of a £25,000 loan from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme, delivered by SWIG Finance.

Inspired by an Australian trend for off-grid low-cost living, James Atkins says his Tiny Homes on Wheels offer adaptable and affordable accommodation that could play a role in countering the current housing shortage and waiting lists.

His one-bedroomed super-insulated timber framed homes are on the market at £59,000 for the basic model with electric hookup, or £79,000 for the full off-grid version including solar, batteries, water system and delivery.

Start Up Loans is part of the British Business Bank and offers personal loans of up to £25,000 and free mentoring to help anyone start or grow a new or early-stage business.

SWIG Finance is the Bank’s Business support partner for the government-backed programme in the South West, and last year alone delivered £7 million in Start Up Loan funding to over 400 new and early-stage businesses.

James, who is 52 and from Westbury in Wiltshire, has been in construction for 28 years and has been following the tiny homes phenomenon for some time.

He’s also witnessed the growing housing crisis in the UK and shortage of affordable homes.

“Kids these days get a good job at 25 but still have to live with their parents because they can’t afford a property – and the situation is forecast to get worse,” he said.

He decided to try and do his bit to help. He took adult education courses in maths and economics and designed a two-floor “eco-home” on wheels that could be placed on any appropriate site.

James used his Start Up Loan to invest in developing the product and to adapt his workshop to ensure a larger and safer working environment.

The homes are timber-framed and built from scratch. They can be custom designed but the development model includes living room area, kitchen, separate bathroom with shower, and an upstairs bedroom, with sufficient space to house a combi-boiler, fridge-freezer and washing machine.

While investigating sources of potential finance to get his new venture up and running, an internet search led to the Start Up Loans website, and James was assisted in his application by Suzy Lowe, Start Up Loans officer for SWIG Finance.

He said: “I’m not a computer person, but Suzy helped me all the way with my business plan – she was brilliant,” said James.

Suzy added: “James is innovative and forward-thinking, and he has used his professional and creative skillset to come up with a solution outside the usual housing offer. We are pleased to support him in this timely endeavour.”

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