Nottingham craft shop celebrates continued growth two years after MEIF II funding

Knit Nottingham, the award-winning independent yarn shop in the heart of Nottingham, is celebrating two years of growth following £60,000 in funding secured from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II (MEIF II) through First Enterprise.

Since receiving the investment in 2024, the business has expanded its product range, strengthened its community offering, and continued building its reputation as one of the East Midlands’ leading destinations for knitting and crochet enthusiasts.

The funding supported Hannah Byrne and Daniel Byrne in purchasing the business from its previous owner, investing in stock, and providing working capital. Since taking ownership, the couple have combined Hannah’s retail expertise with Daniel’s e-commerce and marketing experience to build on Knit Nottingham’s strong foundations, while introducing new ideas for customers both in-store and online.

Over the past two years, the business has expanded its range of British yarns to include seven collections, including small-batch knitting kits produced on the Isle of Colonsay, Handspun yarn from Melbourne in Derbyshire using rare Portland breed sheep from Calke Abbey and local small batch hand dyed yarn.

It has also seen a 6% increase in average spend between January and August this year compared with the same period in 2025, and is now entering its busiest half of the year.

Alongside this, Knit Nottingham has opened its workshop space to other independent creatives, hosting popular events including Wine and Twine in partnership with fellow Nottingham business Inknotts.

It has grown its monthly Craft and Chatters sessions into a thriving community where crafters of all ages come together to learn new skills and build friendships.

The workshop room can accommodate up to 12 people, while the business has welcomed nearly 30 people across its downstairs and upstairs spaces during its Knit in Public Day.

Hannah and Daniel Byrne, co-owners of Knit Nottingham, said: “The funding helped us achieve our dream of owning a small business that also serves as a community hub for fellow creatives. Looking back two years later, we’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. We’ve expanded our range of British yarns, grown our Craft and Chatters community, and created opportunities for other local creatives to host workshops and events. The support we received from First Enterprise gave us the confidence and foundation to keep building the business.”

David Tindall, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, said: “Hannah and Daniel’s success demonstrates how access to the right type of finance can help ambitious businesses unlock their potential, create opportunities, and contribute to the growth of the local economy. We’re proud that the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II has supported their journey and look forward to seeing what they achieve next.”

Danielle Davis, deputy director at First Enterprise, added: “It’s incredibly rewarding to revisit businesses like Knit Nottingham and see the difference funding can make over time. Hannah and Daniel have taken an already well-loved business and built on its success, creating new opportunities for customers, supporting local makers, and strengthening Nottingham’s creative community. Their progress over the past two years is exactly the kind of long-term impact the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II was designed to achieve.”