Newcomer Award
On average, each of us has just 29,000 days on this planet – it’s imperative that we do what we love! These new businesses bravely took the leap to follow their passion, only to face one of the most challenging moments in our lifetime. In such a tough year for small businesses, they have responded with creativity, enthusiasm and courage to not only launch but bloom.
If there’s a silver lining to take from the pandemic, it’s the increased awareness of small businesses and the amount of people who have woken up to what’s important to them and taken the leap to follow their passion – just as the nominees in the Newcomer Award category have.
Please note that you can only vote for one business per category!
The Judges
Ade Hassan MBE
Founder of Nubian Skin
Named ‘Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year’ in 2014, Ade has successfully pioneered the way in making underwear for women of colour.
Marcia Kilgore
Founder of Beauty Pie
Founder of numerous successful start ups, Marcia has an exceptional eye for building household brands from the kitchen table.
The Nominees
Below you will find all of the Newcomer Award nominees and can now to vote for your favourite. Please note that you can only vote for one nominee per category. If you would like to share a direct link to a nominee’s location on this page, use the link icon at the top right of their listing.
Amy Swann
A magical, newly formed business embracing all of the things Amy loves, to give to those you love. Hand designed, created and painted heirloom decorations and keepsakes.
By Faye
A celebration all of life’s milestones, Founder Faye is on a mission to brighten up homes with personalised prints and giftware.
Cocoa Publishing
Inspired by her daughter, Founder Serlina launched the UK’s first magazine to celebrate Black girls, Cocoa Girl. Giving Black children a voice whilst educating the community about the Black culture.
Crumpetorium
Handmade, small batch, artisan crumpets with experimental flavours and no preservatives. Comfort food with a difference, delivered to people’s doorsteps.
Kookiwood
What started as an affordable option to furnish Founder Kayleigh’s first home has turned into a full-time business, creating luxury, sustainable, statement pieces.
M+H Cake
M+H Cake Company is a London based online bakery posting mail-order cake tubs and personalised treats nationwide.
Not Just Nibbles
Pairing the creative talents of an award-winning designer with the nutritional know-how of accredited chefs to create fun and healthy cooking kits for curious kids.
Pattern Loves Print
Handmade OOAK sustainable vintage children’s fashion with a modern twist unlike anything you will see on the high street.
Pixie Divine
A black owned home-decor business specialising in handmade soy wax candles. Initially a fundraising hobby started during lockdown to help owner Frankie deal with her mum’s passing.
Pots and Paper by Steph
A one-woman paper-making business. From her home garage, waste paper is crafted into new, handmade sheets and waterproof paper pots.
ROAM (The Drifting Bear Co)
Thoughtful & unique gifts & homewares with a newly opened bricks & mortar store ROAM. ROAM plant a tree for every order with over 35,000 planted so far.
Sass and Me
Affordable traditional baby and toddler shoes from 0-3 years designed by mum of five Rebecca in the heart of East Sussex.
Sea Whistle
Thoughtful curation of sustainable ethical clothes, accessories and toys for young children. Stocking small UK brands and Founder Nicola’s own hand-made clothing brand.
Tatie Lou
An eco conscious homeware brand with luxury wallpapers, stylish fabrics and sumptuous home accessories. All designed & made in England.
The Crayon Bug
Founder Rebs has fused her love of nature, colour and child-centred learning to create high quality shaped crayons such as her best-selling Solar System.
The Little Worne Store
The Little Worne Store lovingly hand embroiders your little babes’ names onto hand knits, creating a forever keepsake – all made in U.K.
The Thoughtful Potter
Colourful pottery with thoughtful messages to uplift and inspire.
The Treats Club
An exciting emerging dessert brand. London’s first and only DYO hot donut shop with other delicious homemade hot desserts too.
Wonderwalls
Formed as Founder Tom’s fightback against the pandemic, Wonderwalls creates funny and inspiring kid’s prints that grown-ups are proud to put on their walls.
Zara Ceramics
Zara Ceramics was established in the heart of the pandemic, producing bespoke ceramic pieces shipped all over the world.
Read The Independent Awards 2020 full Terms & Conditions here