A new Growth Loan Fund being launched this month by social enterprise Cockpit Arts is set to support the growth of the independent craft businesses based at its London creative-business incubators. In partnership with Ingenious, an investment and advisory group that specialises in Media and Entertainment, Cockpit Arts will be able to offer low interest loans coupled with intensive one-to-one business support to designer-makers from disciplines ranging from ceramics and glass to jewellery and textiles. Loans of up to £10,000 will be available to support developments such as improved production processes, new routes to market and taking on staff. In each case the loans support the owner-manager to create a more sustainable business, capable of economies of scale and increased profits as the business grows. The new fund has been set up following a successful three-year pilot loan scheme supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. The pilot scheme achieved zero bad debt and loan recipients have reported an average increase in turnover of 28%, and an average increase in profits of 75%. The partnerships with Ingenious will mean that the scheme can be run for a further five years.