Great Baddow Cricket Entrepreneur Receives National Recognition After Turning Broken Bat Into Successful Business

A Great Baddow cricketer who launched his own cricket equipment company after discovering the high cost of replacing a broken bat has been recognised as one of Britain's leading small business success stories.

Freddie Chatt, co-founder of Village Cricket Co., has been named the 2026 Start Up Loans Ambassador for the East of England, recognising his journey from grassroots cricketer to successful entrepreneur.

The announcement was made on 20 October by Start Up Loans, part of the government-owned British Business Bank, which selected 14 business founders from across the United Kingdom for this year's ambassador programme.

Freddie, who has longstanding connections with Great Baddow Cricket Club, established the business with fellow cricketer George Simmons after identifying a gap in the market for affordable cricket equipment.

From a Broken Cricket Bat to a Growing Business

The idea for Village Cricket Co. began when Freddie's own cricket bat broke.

Looking for a replacement, he was surprised by the price of new bats and began questioning why recreational players should have to spend hundreds of pounds on equipment.

Together with George, he set out to develop cricket products that would be affordable for ordinary village and club cricketers without compromising on quality.

The pair launched the business during the COVID-19 pandemic, building an online brand aimed specifically at grassroots players.

Their range has since expanded beyond cricket bats to include batting pads, kit bags and other accessories.

According to Start Up Loans, the company has sold out of stock every year since launching, reflecting growing demand for its products.

Government-Backed Loans Helped Business Expand

The founders initially used a government-backed Start Up Loan to help establish the company.

As demand increased, they secured a second loan in 2024, enabling them to purchase additional stock, improve cash flow and support further expansion.

The business has also developed relationships with suppliers in India, where much of the world's cricket equipment is manufactured.

Its progress led to an invitation to attend an Indian government-backed sporting goods trade fair.

Despite the company's growth, both founders have continued working in other professions while developing the business.

Freddie works in search engine optimisation, while George has a background in recruitment.

Freddie now hopes to turn the business into his full-time career.

Recognised as East of England Ambassador

The Start Up Loans Ambassador programme celebrates entrepreneurs who have used business finance and support to establish and grow their companies.

Freddie's selection means he will represent the East of England as part of the programme's 2026 group of ambassadors.

The initiative also encourages successful founders to share their experiences and advice with people considering starting businesses of their own.

Speaking about his entrepreneurial journey, Freddie said:

"My advice to anyone thinking about starting a business is to just get started."

He explained that his experience had taught him the importance of learning as a business develops and remaining focused on customers.

The recognition highlights how a straightforward idea, inspired by a problem encountered at a local cricket club, can develop into a business serving customers across the country.

Supporting Grassroots Cricket

Village Cricket Co. has built its identity around making cricket more accessible to people playing at village and recreational level.

Its founders' experiences as club cricketers helped shape the company's approach to product design, pricing and marketing.

Rather than targeting only professional players, the business focuses on the needs of people who play cricket for their local clubs, often alongside full-time employment.

The company's success demonstrates how grassroots sport can inspire entrepreneurial opportunities beyond the boundary rope.

For Freddie and George, what began with a broken bat has become a nationally recognised business.

Residents interested in the company can visit the official Village Cricket Co. website.

More information about the ambassador programme and business finance is available from Start Up Loans.

Sources: British Business Bank / Start Up Loans, 20 October 2026; Village Cricket Co.