BEPO, based in Ellesmere Port, has been chosen as a finalist for the Bricks and Clicks award at this year’s The Small Awards.
Now in its eighth year, The Small Awards is a nationwide search for the smallest and greatest firms in the UK, across all sectors. It is organised annually by Small Business Britain, which champions, inspires and accelerates the nation’s 5.5 million small firms.
Bepo is an independent brand run by husband and wife team Ben & Natalia. Ben is a plumber and Natalia is a nursery assistant and, together, they have been chasing the Bepo dream for nine years in between full-time jobs and raising three kids. Bepo was initially founded to help Ben's mental health as he has struggled with difficulties for most of his life, and was recently diagnosed with ADHD at 43 years of age.
The thinking was to get more people talking about mental health through what you wear: the Be Positive Taylored Brand was born... a.k.a Bepo. Bepo started off with tees and hoodies for adults and kids, but has now grown to include much much more. We are especially proud of our sustainable, handmade in the UK, made-to-order and made-to-measure outerwear collection, using unused ex-MOD parachutes and deadstock fabric.
Bepo is a lifestyle, a mindset and a way of life. Wearing any form of clothing gives you a feeling, a purpose, a sense of belonging and sense of style. We aspire for you to do good stuff wearing our stuff and to have a positive impact in your life.
With eleven different categories, the Small Awards celebrate the dynamism and resilience exhibited in the UK’s small business sector, across everything from sustainability heroes to digital stars, to long-standing family businesses. Bepo have been selected as one of just eight finalists for the Bricks and Clicks award for best multi-channel small business: recognising small businesses that use multiple channels with innovation and skill to develop their business.
“The Small Awards is all about celebrating the inspiring small business owners who are at the heart of the economy and their communities,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain. “They are an opportunity to recognise and applaud the passion and resilience of the nation’s small firms, particularly amidst such turbulent times. BEPO is extremely deserving of being shortlisted for this award and we can’t wait to celebrate with them in May.”
Judged by a panel of industry experts, the winners of all categories, including the overall winner of the Small Business of the Year award, will be announced at a splendid awards ceremony in London on 16th May, 2024.
The ceremony will this year be held at St Mary’s church in London, with plans underway for a night of entertainment, inspiration, and celebration for UK’s greatest small businesses.