Saul Press, founder of Beer Hatch, a craft beer shop in Norwich, is among 14 business owners announced as a Start Up Loans 2025 ambassador.
Saul Press, owner of Beer Hatch
Since 2020, Saul has used two Start Up Loans of £1,500 and £6,000. During the pandemic, he found himself out of work and decided to take out his first loan to set up a beer delivery company. He delivered the beer orders on his bike, selling excess draught beer and ales that pubs were struggling to sell due to lockdowns.
As the lockdown restrictions subsided, Saul opened the ‘UK’s smallest off-licence’, selling beer from a disused telephone box in Norwich. Due to the success of the pop-up shop, Saul used a second Start Up Loan to open his own craft beer shop in the centre of Norwich in 2023.
He got support from one of the Start Up Loans programme’s Business Support Partners, First Enterprise, to expand his company. The loan helped to purchase six draught taps to open a small bar, and fridges to retail local beers and ale.
“I used to work in marketing, but during lockdown I started reflecting on what I really wanted to do next,” said Saul. “I realised my true passion was a good beer!
“Back then, I got on my bike to sell excess pub stock, and since then the business has gone from strength to strength. The second loan from Start Up Loans gave me the opportunity to open my own shop and kit it out with all the right equipment.”
He added: “The beer scene in Norwich is truly unmatched, drawing many visitors for beer tours and tastings. We were recently named one of the top eight independent beer shops in the whole of the UK by The Times, which was fantastic recognition. I believe people really enjoy shopping local and discovering unique beers that they wouldn’t necessarily find anywhere else.”
Now in its tenth year, Start Up Loans ambassadors shines a spotlight on remarkable UK entrepreneurs who have turned their business ideas into reality with support from the government-backed initiative. Each ambassador has been chosen for showcasing the determination, innovation and resilience needed to grow a small business, while inspiring others to pursue their own entrepreneurial journeys.
Louise McCoy, managing director, Start Up Loans Products, at British Business Bank, said: “We are incredibly proud to mark ten years of Start Up Loans ambassadors, which continues to highlight the achievements of extraordinary UK entrepreneurs who have brought their business ideas to life with the help of our government-backed programme.
“I have no doubt that Saul will encourage other aspiring business owners to bring their start-up plans to life. He has a really unique and interesting business journey starting in lockdown through to now having his own shop and being recognised by The Times.”
