Huddersfield clothing brand appeals to pitch to Richard Branson

The founders of Huddersfield-based clothing brand Ushiwear is calling on fellow Yorkshire businesses and residents to ‘get voting’ in the Virgin Media #VOOM2016 competition.

If successful, the bid could see Ushiwear secure a £250k funding package for a project to create a new ecologically-sound range of clothing.

However, the business first needs the support of a public vote to propel them into a shortlist of the top 80 entrants in their category.

Founded by Yorkshire designer Jilly Kapusi, Ushiwear was launched with the support of her husband Neil in 2008.

Jilly has created a range of leisurewear that is durable, unique, stylish and comfortable. Ushiwear is resolved to keep the brand ‘Brilliantly British’, therefore all products are created in the Ushiwear store in Mirfield, and the business sources all of its business requirements from within the UK.

In order to significantly grow the business, Ushiwear is now looking for an opportunity to pitch in front of Richard Branson. #VOOM2016 will offer each winner a £250k ad campaign and £50k in cash, plus all the business extras that “money can’t buy.”

Ushiwear will use the winning money to launch a brand new range of luxury clothing made from recycled materials.

Designer Jilly said the idea for the range came to her in a ‘light bulb’ moment and has enlisted the help of student fashion designer, Harriet McHugh, to work on the final designs.

Funding from Virgin Media would be key to raising national awareness of Ushiwear as an original clothing brand; the range would also contribute to Yorkshire’s presence in the design industry.

The use of recycled materials will also challenge ‘fast fashion’ and provide environmentally-conscious customers with a ‘green’ option.

Ushiwear has submitted its entry to the Grow category of the #VOOM2016 awards; a category for established businesses with revenue that are looking to grow. The second category is for Startups in early stages.

On 25th May, the top 80 entrants with the highest votes from each category will progress through to the semi-finals. Then they have until 1st – 2nd June to prepare for The Pitchathon, taking place in London.

Two more workshops will take place in June, where the entrants will be narrowed further down to a final six, which will then have the opportunity to pitch a business idea to Richard Branson on 28th June.

Jilly commented: “To be in with a chance in this fantastic competition, we first need the votes of all our supporters. We would be incredibly grateful towards anybody who can spare the time to go online and give us a vote.”