Work-life balance big issue for small firms- Norwich beer shop owner
The 'Beer Hatch' was born during the pandemic and has since expanded from delivery service, with the help of two 'start-up' loans
A local beer shop owner says work-life balance and mental health worries are the big issues facing small firms.
Saul Press founded the 'Beer Hatch' in 2020 and used start up loans worth over £7,000 to expand his business.
"I'd never run a business before taking this on"
He's now the East's ambassador for this Government support and told us more about how it's help him and his business:
"So from the word go in lockdown of having that level of support with not only money but a business plan was vital. I'd never run a business before taking this on. I have no idea where I'd be without all this help, but it certainly wouldn't be where I am now.
"Coming out of Covid nobody really wanted a craft beer delivery service anymore. So adapting from that and having the means to do it was really important
"That support really gave me the confidence to do all of this. I think that's what's really important when it comes to making your business a reality. As I just thought, it's a great idea but who's going to back it?"
Saul journey so far:
During the pandemic, Saul took out his first loan to set up a beer delivery company.
He delivered the beer orders on his bike, through selling excess draught beer that breweries were struggling to sell due to lockdowns.
As these restrictions came to an end, Saul opened the ‘UK’s smallest off-license’ – selling beer from a disused telephone box in Norwich.
Following the success of this pop-up shop, Saul used a second Start Up Loan to open his own craft beer shop in the centre of Norwich in 2023.
This was done through support from one of the Start Up Loans programme’s Business Support Partners, First Enterprise, to expand his craft beer company.
Saul says this loan helped purchase six draught taps to open a small bar, and fridges to retail local beers.
What does an ambassador do?
Saul and others have has been chosen for showcasing the determination, innovation and resilience needed to grow a small business.
Ministers say the Government's 'start up' loan programme has rolled out over a billion pounds in support since 2012
"It’s so important that we make sure that those with the ambition to start up, have access to the finance they need"
Blair McDougall, Minister for Small Businesses and Economic Transformation, said:
“Entrepreneurs have the bright ideas, the commitment, and the nose for opportunities. But too often they lack the finance to make the most of this and to contribute to growing our economy. That’s why it’s so important that we make sure that those with the ambition to start up, have access to the finance they need.
“As part of our Plan for Small Businesses, we are funding up to 69,000 additional Start Up Loans to support the next generation of small business owners so they can achieve the success of those being celebrated here today.”