(Image: John Millard/UNP)
A Darlington woman who found her dream job on maternity leave has turned a much-loved wool shop into a growing UK-wide business.
Hannah Hazledine-Herd owns Pretty Knits Wool Shop, a cosy, colourful and inclusive store selling wool, yarn, knitting supplies and laundry services.
She has been named the 2026 Start Up Loans Ambassador for the North East.
Ms Hazledine-Herd said: "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."
Her journey began in June 2023, when she started part-time work at Pretty Knits after spotting the shop during a walk on maternity leave.
Later that year, she was offered the chance to take over the business.
She secured a Start Up Loan in February 2024, then a second loan through the programme and its business support partner, the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF).
She used the money to buy stock, fixtures, fittings and equipment, helping her take over and expand the business.
Since taking over, she has launched a website reaching around 70 per cent of UK postcodes and started a weekly Craft & Chat group for customers.
Her success has earned her a place among the Start Up Loans Ambassadors, a programme celebrating outstanding entrepreneurs across the UK.
Louise McCoy, managing director at Start Up Loans, said: "Business owners like Hannah prove that with practical support, belief, and access to finance, great ideas can become successful businesses.
"We’re proud to celebrate this year’s Ambassadors and look forward to seeing them pass on the benefit of their experience to the next generation of entrepreneurs."
Tim Burt, head of Start Up Loans at the Business Enterprise Fund, praised her vision and commitment to the community.
He said: "Hannah’s enthusiasm and the community she has built around Pretty Knits Wool Shop are encouraging and inspiring in equal measure.
"Thousands of people across the UK dream of becoming their own boss. Hannah has demonstrated that it’s more than possible, with the right support.
"It’s been fantastic to support her as she took on the business and began putting her own stamp on it.
"We’re proud to have played a part in helping her turn a long-held ambition into reality."
The Start Up Loans scheme has supported more than 100,000 entrepreneurs across the UK.
Lord Leong, Minister for Small Business and Enterprise, said: "Start Up Loans have helped more than 100,000 entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into real businesses.
"Behind every business is a founder who took a chance – and the jobs created show how far that ambition can go with the right support."
Lord Leong said: "This success is a tribute to our determined founders, inspiring ambassadors, and the British Business Bank.
"I congratulate everyone involved.
"Giving entrepreneurs the chance to succeed creates opportunities that reach far beyond any one business, benefiting families, communities, and the wider economy."
As a 2026 Start Up Loans Ambassador, Ms Hazledine-Herd will share her experience with aspiring business owners.
Other entrepreneurs and business leaders have also offered advice to people starting out.
Alex Wright, co-founder of DASH Water, said: "Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there – start small, get feedback, iterate, and go again.
"It’s the same model Eric Ries sets out in The Lean Startup, and it’s served us well at DASH."
Emilie Vanpoperinghe, CEO and co-founder of Oddbox, urged new business owners to stay authentic.
She said: "The strongest brands feel authentic.
"If what you do consistently matches what you believe, people actually feel that and over time that will build a strong brand.
"So, I encourage the Start Up Loans Ambassadors to be authentic and to be intentional and consistent with what they do with their business."
Varun Bhanot, co-founder and CEO of MAGIC AI, said determination was vital.
Read more
North Yorkshire mother launches campaign on loss and motherhood
Green light for £160m programme to create digital and creative hubs in Tees Valley
North East brewery creates exclusive 'Brewmo' beer for train passengers
He said: "My number one piece of advice for anyone starting a business is you’re going to need grit more than anything, you’ll need it more than being smart, being talented.
"You need grit.
"If you work the hardest, you stick at it and you have grit you’ll be just fine."
The Start Up Loans Ambassadors will be celebrated at a launch event this week before beginning a year-long programme supporting the next generation of business founders.