The Bookworm and the fireflies

In a nutshell… 

• Governance and compliance can seem complicated but is crucial when running a business – support is available to help. 

• Support and guidance can shape passion into a functioning, sustainable business. 

Starting a business is never simple, but when you're doing it solo, it can feel like navigating a new city without a map. That’s exactly where Hannah Field, founder of The Bookworm and the Fireflies, found herself. 

Hannah had the idea of a bespoke online book club designed for women to connect, relax and grow, all from the comfort of their own homes. With a Start Up Loan secured and a passion for building something meaningful, Hannah was ready to launch, but unsure how to protect and grow her new venture. 

“I’d worked as a freelancer before, but launching something completely my own was a different story,” Hannah says. “I had no roadmap. I needed help understanding the risks, building a brand, and figuring out how to grow in the right way.” 

That’s when she tapped into Post Loan Support, a free service offered to Start Up Loan recipients, which is delivered by UMi. The programme pairs entrepreneurs with experts who provide tailored mentoring, helpful resources, and access to insightful workshops. 

For Hannah, the guidance was a game changer. 

“One of the first things we did was look at risk, everything from cyber security to GDPR to what would happen if something disrupted the business,” she explains. “It made me realise how vulnerable I was and how many practical steps I could take to protect the business from day one.” 

Working closely with her Post Loan Support adviser, Hannah went through a comprehensive Q&A SWOT analysis to identify operational risks and governance gaps. She was signposted to legal support through the Lawyers for Your Business scheme and introduced to key ecommerce compliance and consumer rights frameworks. 

But it wasn’t just risk she tackled. 

“I had an idea of who I wanted to reach, but my branding and messaging were still fuzzy,” Hannah admits. “The group sessions on value proposition and branding helped me sharpen my focus and gave me the language to connect with my audience more powerfully.” 

Through expert-led workshops and 1:1 mentoring, Hannah developed a clear view of her target audience and how to reach them, building a strong foundation for sustainable growth. 

“Post Loan Support gave me the structure I needed. I wasn’t just winging it anymore; I was moving forward with intention.” 

By the end of her support journey, Hannah had transformed from a passionate solo founder into a confident business owner, with stronger governance, a sharper brand, and a clear growth strategy. 

“If you're new to business and you’ve had a Start Up Loan, don’t do it alone,” she says. “The support is there, and it’s incredibly empowering.”