We never could have imagined how our little idea would have come to life without £150m entrepreneur fund

Part of the British Business Bank, the Start Up Loans programme has provided over £25m of Start Up Loans funding across 2,753 loans to businesses in Lancashire alone, with 41% of loans going to female founders and 12% of funding going to entrepreneurs aged 18–24,

Across the county, Hyndburn received the highest total funding with £2.7m spread across 359 loans, followed by the Ribble Valley (£2.4m), Pendle and Clitheroe (£2.4m), and Chorley (£2.2m).

Overall, the North West is one of the most entrepreneurial parts of the UK, receiving the most Start Up Loans finance outside of London and the South East. Start Up Loan recipients in Lancashire include Craft + Common, an all-in-one pottery painting studio and bar, which secured £50k of funding to purchase its first studio.

Founded by friends Lauren Rowland and Hannah Muir in 2023, Craft + Common offers pottery painting and ‘sip and paint’ events in a fun, relaxing, and social environment. Following the success of its first studio, it has now opened two additional studios in Lymm and Lancaster.

“We never could have imagined how our little idea would have come to life, and we have achieved so much success in just two years,” said Lauren. “We’re very grateful for the support we have received from our local community and beyond.

“The Start Up Loan funding supported us in getting started and we wouldn’t be where we are now without it. We have opened a second studio in Lymm which has received lots of support from the local community, and we’re excited to see what is next for us.”

Louis Taylor, CEO of the British Business Bank, said: “The Start Up Loans programme was designed to help smaller businesses access affordable finance and valuable mentoring support. This milestone is a clear example of that mission in action. I’m looking forward to visiting Lancashire this week and seeing first-hand how businesses such as Craft + Common are benefiting from the programme and the real impact our support is having on the ground.”

Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Business and Exports, added: “The government is determined to unlock the UK’s immense growth potential and that means ensuring entrepreneurs can access the finance they need including through the Start Up Loans programme.

“This is an impressive milestone for the programme which has supported entrepreneurs and businesses across Lancashire, boosting the local economy and raising living standards.”