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| Region/Nation | North East - Darlington |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Pretty Knits Wool Shop |
| Owner | Hannah Hazledine-Herd |
| Partner | Business Enterprise Fund |
| Social Media |
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| Website | prettyknitswoolshop.co.uk |
From working part-time in her dream wool shop to taking ownership of the business, Darlington entrepreneur Hannah Hazledine-Herd has turned her passion for fibre crafts into a thriving local business thanks to a Start Up Loan.
Hannah Hazledine-Herd, owner of Pretty Knits Wool Shop, a cosy, colourful, and inclusive business where customers can find wool, yarns, knitting supplies, and laundry services, has been named as the 2026 Start Up Loans Ambassador for the North East.
Hannah secured her initial first loan in February 2024 before coming back to the Start Up Loans programme for a second loan. The finance was secured with support from the programme’s business support partner, the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF). She used the funding to purchase stock, fixtures and fittings and new equipment, helping her take over the business and build on its existing offering.
Hannah had always dreamed of working in a wool shop and, after moving to the area while on maternity leave, discovered Pretty Knits while out for a walk. She joined the business part-time in June 2023 before being offered the opportunity to take it over later that year. Since becoming owner, Hannah has grown the business by launching a website that now reaches around 70% of UK postcodes, while also bringing local customers together through a weekly Craft & Chat group.
Funding used for
She used the funding to purchase stock, fixtures and fittings and new equipment, helping her take over the business and build on its existing offering.
Business Enterprise Fund
Support for new and early stage businesses
Running a business can sometimes feel like there’s always something else you should be doing, but I’ve learnt that you don’t need to have all the answers from the start. Being willing to ask for help, learn from others, and take things one step at a time can make a huge difference.
Taking on Pretty Knits has taught me so much about what it takes to run and grow a business and the support I received through the Start Up Loans scheme gave me the backing I needed to take the next step. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how the business has developed, while also learning as I go and finding new ways to bring people together.
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