Simon Payne, founder of Halifax-based Sole Responsibility, has been recognised for his entrepreneurial acumen and pursuit of a more sustainable future for the fashion industry, with shortlistings in two national award schemes.
Sole Responsibility, a re-sale business which sells seconds and subprime trainers and footwear that would otherwise be sent to landfill, has been shortlisted in the fashion category of the Marie Claire Sustainability Awards – amongst household names including Vinted.
Whilst founder, Simon Payne, has been shortlisted in the Purpose Entrepreneur of the Year category of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
Launched in 2015, Sole Responsibility works with retailers and brands to provide a route to market for seconds, returned and subprime footwear which historically had been destroyed. The business is an official sustainability partner of JD Sports and to date has saved more than 100,000 pairs of trainers and shoes from landfill. Instead they are sold to savvy and eco-conscious customers on a dedicated eBay store with 2,500 shoes and trainers listed on the site at any time.
Speaking about the awards, Simon said: “After eight years of building the business it is extremely rewarding to be recognised on a national level. We are extremely proud to be up there with the likes of Vinted and the other amazing fashion brands and purpose entrepreneurs.
“Sole Responsibility was launched from a drive and passion to shine a light on a hidden eco-crisis that the fashion industry is facing. Perfectly wearable shoes and trainers were being destroyed because they we seen as unsellable. Our business has changed that – we work closely with JD Sports, and a number of other national retailers, to keep these products in circulation. There are cost-saving benefits for customers, who can purchase footwear at up to 50% off RRP; and we are doing our bit to reduce an astronomical amount of waste.
“By entering these awards it gives us the chance to let even more people know what we do and how we are working to drive up sustainable practices in the fashion industry. Our planet really is at breaking point and by encouraging people to take a second look at seconds we can really make a difference.”
