Darlington entrepreneur lands ambassador role

A County Durham business owner has been recognised for her entrepreneurial success after being appointed to a national programme supporting aspiring entrepreneurs.

Hannah Hazledine-Herd, owner of Darlington-based Pretty Knits Wool Shop, has been named the North East’s 2026 Start Up Loans Ambassador.

The appointment recognises her journey from part-time employee to business owner, supported by funding through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme.

Hannah joined Pretty Knits in June 2023 before taking over the business later that year, securing her first Start Up Loan in February 2024 and subsequently accessing further finance.

The funding, arranged with support from the Business Enterprise Fund, helped her invest in stock, equipment and shop improvements.

Since taking ownership, Hannah has expanded the business online, with its website now reaching around 70 per cent of UK postcodes, while establishing a weekly Craft & Chat group for local customers.

She 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 appointment comes as the Start Up Loans programme approaches £70 million in lending to entrepreneurs across the North East.

Hannah will join ambassadors representing regions and nations across the UK at a launch event this week.

She will then take part in a year-long programme sharing her experiences and advice to encourage the next generation of business founders.

Louise McCoy, managing director, start up loans at the British Business Bank, added: “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, added: “Hannah’s enthusiasm, and the community she has built around the Pretty Knits Wool Shop is 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.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.