Founder of Hippy Hut Pottery, based in Lawshall, near Bury St Edmunds, chosen as a start-up loan ambassador

The founder of a pottery business has been chosen as an ambassador for start-up loan schemes.

Cally James, founder of Hippy Hut Pottery, which also offers ceramics classes and commissions, is among 14 businesses announced as Start Up Loans’ 2024 Ambassadors.

Hippy Hut Pottery hosts workshops and hands-on classes for up to eight people, at a bespoke studio in Lawshall.

Cally has scaled up the offer and now brings the art of pottery to life at corporate events across the UK, giving companies the chance to bring employees together to collaborate in creative ways away from their desks.

The business was launched in 2021 and scaled up in 2024 using a loan of £14,000 from BizBritain, which Cally used to purchase a new kiln and additional equipment to help her keep up with increasing demand for her workshops.

Having worked as a chef, a cake decorator and a teacher, and now in her early fifties, Cally felt the need for a change.

She completed her MA in Fine Art and decided to follow her passion for pottery making and make it her full-time career.

She said: “Start Up Loans’ support was instrumental in bringing my Hippy Hut dream to fruition.

“For those standing where I once was, I wholeheartedly encourage people to explore what Start Up Loans can offer.

“Their team is dedicated to fuelling small business success, and their financial backing could be the key to unlocking your venture's potential.”

Start Up Loans is part of the British Business Bank and a partner for the Government’s Start Up Loans programme, providing finance and support for businesses who struggle to access other forms of finance.

The 2024 Ambassadors will be introduced at an event in central London that marks the start of a year-long programme which will see them take part in a series of local and national activities to inspire start-up founders.