Founder of Portsmouth based swimwear business nominated for Young Entrepreneur of the Year award
Katrina Dilnot, owner and founder of Portsmouth’s emerging swimwear brand, Tomia Swim, has been shortlisted in the Young Entrepreneur of the Year category, in the Regional Finals of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. This nomination recognises Katrina Dilnot’s successes in growing and managing a new business, bringing sketches to life, through her work with suppliers and manufacturers, with each item being designed independently by herself.
Following the launch of Tomia Swim in April 2019, the ecommerce store provides timeless, yet modern swimwear for women, focusing on lasting designs that can be worn time and time again. Promoted via several Social Media channels, Tomia Swim currently stocks 9 different swimwear styles and range of sunglasses to complete the look, with a view to expand the collection in the coming months.
Reflecting on the nomination Katrina says “After observing the swimwear available in the UK, there was a clear gap for lasting designs, that were also modern and on trend. The journey so far has been incredible, and I have learnt so much along the way. Being nominated for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award has been a massive achievement in itself; we have faced worry and uncertainty the last few months, so this news was the perfect reminder that there are some good times ahead.
“Winning an award as prestigious as this one will mean so much for the growth of Tomia Swim, supporting our goal in becoming a market leader across the UK.”
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 BrewDog, Tangle Teezer, The LAD Bible, Clearscore and The Cambridge Satchel Company.
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.
“So many entrepreneurs will have been fighting to keep their business afloat over the past few months, and indeed will be over the coming months. That’s exactly why we launched the Pivot category; to recognise those that have managed to adapt and thrive throughout this period.
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.”
This year, with social distancing challenges in mind, the regional heats will be celebrated online on September 23rd.