British equestrian start-up impresses Entrepreneurship Awards judges, having only launched this year.

One of the UK’s most exciting new equestrian brands, Ponyo Horsewear, has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Start-Up of the Year category in the regional finals of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Having only been trading since January this year, this is no mean feat, with Ponyo beating a fierce field of competition.

Ponyo specialises in high quality, uniquely patterned turnout rugs, and has plans to expand its range later this year. Patterned rugs already existed in the market, but were seen as fun yet faddy products, made with poor quality fabric which would not last the test of time. Georgia Bellis-Jones, founder of Ponyo Horsewear, was determined to fill the hole in the market.

Ponyo’s eye-catching, brightly coloured rugs include monkeys, watermelons and unicorns among the designs, but places as much emphasis on the quality and fit of their products as the appearance.

The Great British Entrepreneur Awards, founded in 2013, acknowledges the hard work and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs and businesses in the UK. The awards have celebrated some outstanding entrepreneurs who have gone on to become household names. Previous winners include the founders of BrewDog, Tangle Teezer, The LAD Bible, Clearscore and The Cambridge Satchel Company.

Georgia commented: “After countless challenges in our first six months since launch, including a global pandemic, it feels amazing to be recognised for our progress and makes it all worthwhile. Launching the brand was a big risk, as I wasn’t sure how the products would be received – they are unlike any other rugs currently available – and it was a huge up-front investment. Fortunately it’s all gone better than I could have hoped for and we have some amazingly loyal and supportive customers, not only in the UK but all around the world.”

Judges of the awards include Hayley Parsons, who founded Go Compare, Cath Kidston, Lord Bilimoria of Cobra Beer and Kanya King, the founder of the MOBO awards.

Founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Francesca James, said: “Given what we’ve seen over the past few months, the 2020 edition of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards is arguably the most important. Now, more than ever, it’s vital that we celebrate the achievements of the country’s entrepreneurs and their determination in the face of such adversity.

Anne Boden, founder and CEO of Starling Bank, said: “These entrepreneurs have gone above and beyond in order to allow their businesses to flourish in extremely difficult times and it is a true honour to congratulate each and every one of them.”

Reflecting on her achievement, Georgia said: “It’s a huge honour just to be a finalist, and not something I was expecting at all, especially at this early stage. The other three companies in the running look like very strong competition and I wish good luck to them all.”

Contact: Georgia Bellis-Jones

Phone: +447884283773

Email: info@ponyo-horsewear.com


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