Adaptive fashion brand from Edinburgh in line for the 2021 Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Edinburgh’s fashion brand Mauda has been shortlisted from a long list of nominations, for the Fashion & Beauty Entrepreneur of the Year category at the 2021 Great British Entrepreneur Awards for the Scotland & Northern Ireland region. Mauda is first and foremost a fashion brand, primarily focussed on stylish adaptive (disability-friendly) womenswear made in the UK.

According to the World Health Organisation around 15.6% of the global population has a disability that could be addressed by adaptive apparel. UK statistics show that there are approximately 14 million disabled people in the UK. However, the adaptive apparel market is still underserved, underrepresented and broadly targeted at an older age group. More than making stylish adaptive fashion, Mauda’s aim is to help bring adaptive fashion into the mainstream.

Mauda’s founder, Carla Costa Darling, commented: “Fashion is one of the means for people to express their individuality and should therefore be accessible to everyone regardless of body shape or ability. Just like some brands create one garment in multiple colours options, Mauda’s clothes are designed with the adaptive and non-adaptive version of the same item in different sizes. We want all women to be able to buy a stylish garment in whatever version best suits their needs.”

“The shortlist for the awards was announced on July 1st, which marks the beginning of Disability Pride Month. We’re trying not to overthink it, but the significance of the date is extraordinary for a brand focussing on disability-friendly designs. We truly believe this shortlist can help keep momentum going for adaptive fashion and support us with our objective of helping bring adaptive into the mainstream. We’re honoured to have been shortlisted alongside great UK businesses and look forward to the finals in September. “

Kate Hills, founder of Make it British said: “We were really surprised to see just how many of our Make it British members were chosen to progress to the next round of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. We are always blown away by the sheer innovation and quality of our UK-made businesses and brands especially with how many were chosen for the new ‘Made in UK’ award this year. We wish all the finalists the best of luck.”

Founded in 2012, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards acknowledges the hard work and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs and businesses in the United Kingdom. The Awards have celebrated some outstanding entrepreneurs who have gone on to become household names. Previous winners include the founders of Grenade, Tangle Teezer, The LAD Bible, Clearscore & The Cambridge Satchel Company.

Founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Francesca James, said: “We have seen some incredible finalists over the years, and this year is no exception. It really is one of the strongest shortlists we’ve ever had, and the fact that so many exceptional people have applied during such a tough year is a testament to the resolve and entrepreneurial talent that exists across the UK.

“As well as the recognition, our finalists and eventual winners will join our fantastic alumni community that supports each other all year round. From networking and thought leadership, right the way through to mentoring and guidance – being a part of our ecosystem of entrepreneurs can be incredibly rewarding.

“Creating the shortlist out of so many wonderful applications was incredibly tough, so I don’t envy the judges who will now decide the regional winners. Everyone who has been shortlisted should be incredibly proud and we’re thrilled to be able to showcase their achievements.”

Anne Boden MBE, founder of Starling Bank, headline partner for the Awards, said: “The events of the past year have touched everyone, be it through the health of friends and family, the isolation of restrictions or the wider impact on our livelihoods. However, businesses are made of people, and it’s the incredible fortitude, determination and innovation of people like those shortlisted, that has helped our regions survive, and in some cases thrive.

“At Starling, we’re proud to be working with the Great British Entrepreneur Awards and help champion the individuals who will lead the charge and shape our future economy as the nation looks to build back better and stronger.”

Notes to Editors

For any enquiries please contact carla@mauda.co.uk.
Mauda website: https://www.mauda.co.uk/
Social Media: @maudafashion


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About Mauda

Mauda is a fashion brand from Edinburgh primarily focussed on stylish adaptive (disability-friendly) clothing. The brand launched in January 2021, during lockdown, as an online shop. As of June 2021 Mauda's collection is available to the public at the Scottish Design Exchange located at 51 George Street, Edinburgh. More than designing stylish adaptive clothing, Mauda's objective is to help bring adaptive fashion into the mainstream. More recently Mauda has been shortlisted for the Fashion & Beauty Entrepreneur of the Year category at the 2021 Great British Entrepreneur Awards for the Scotland & Northern Ireland region.


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