Kindred Sole shortlisted for business award
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has announced that Kindred Sole is a finalist in the Small Business Awards for 'Recent Graduate' category at its Leicestershire, Northampton and Rutland regional awards. The awards celebrate the best small business start-up by entrepreneurs who have graduated with a bachelor's degree within the last three years.
Kindred Sole is an online women's shoe boutique specialising in designer statement making shoes from up and coming designers as well as established brands. Kindred Sole provides an extensive range of the finest designs, crafted from premium materials and sourced from around the world.
Kindred Sole was established in 2009 after Lizze Leary (22) and Beth Widdowson (23) graduated in Fashion Retail Buying at De Montfort University, Leicester, with First Class Honours. In the company's first week of business, the website www.kindredsole.com was viewed in 76 countries, which led to international shipping being introduced earlier than planned. The company is now shipping to customers as far away as the United States of America and Japan.
Lizze Leary says: “The competition this year has been particularly tough for the awards, so it’s a huge honour for Kindred Sole to be shortlisted.”
The FSB Small Business Awards aim to celebrate the success of small businesses, showcase local small business excellence throughout the counties and to inspire and act as a driver for local small businesses by encouraging them to think positively in the current economic climate.
There are nine awards this year including Best New Business, Best Use of Technology, Service Excellence, Enterprising Business, Contribution to the Community, Employee of the Year, Environment Responsibility, Recent Graduate Award and Overall Business of the Year.
The winners will be announced on Thursday 15 July at the FSB Small Business Gala Awards dinner at the Barceló Hinckley Island Hotel, Leicester.
Kindred Sole was also a runner up in the Women On Their Way Awards 2010 for Start Up business.
