Kathy Kyle, founder of Kathy Kyle Studio, named a finalist in the 2026 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards
Dorking, Surrey, UK. Kathy Kyle, founder of Kathy Kyle Studio, has been named a finalist in the 2026 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, shortlisted in the Product & Manufacturing Entrepreneur of the Year category.
The Great British Entrepreneur Awards is as much about the entrepreneur as the business, recognising the people behind the brand and the decisions, resilience and ambition that build companies that last.
Known as the Grammys of entrepreneurship, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards celebrate the most exceptional and inspiring business stories across the UK, recognising entrepreneurs from every nation and region for their innovation, impact and resilience.
Past winners include the founders of Simmer Eats, Grenade, ClearScore, Zilch and Unbiased, many of whom were recognised early in their journey.
The 2026 shortlist tells a story that goes well beyond a single celebration. Taken together, the Class of 2026 represents the real engine of the British economy.
The 2026 shortlist in numbers:
- 5,000 applications received
- 740 businesses shortlisted
- £3.3bn combined turnover
- 17,700+ jobs supported
- 2,700+ new jobs being created
- 5,200+ years of combined trading
- 40% women-led businesses
- 10 UK regions and nations represented
- 50% already selling overseas
This is why the Great British Entrepreneur Awards exists. Not to celebrate the loudest voices, but the businesses quietly powering the UK economy.
Kathy Kyle, founder of Kathy Kyle Studio, said:
“As an female founder who pivoted a year ago to follow my dream of being an artist, I am so very proud to be named a GBEA finalist in this category, focusing on artistry, collaboration, ethical production and a commitment to creating wearable heirlooms that last forever.”
Kathy Kyle Studio milestones include:
- Showing her heritage collection at an art gallery in SoHo.
- Secured luxury stockists at national trade show in London.
- Showed on the official schedule at London Fashion Week in collaboration with Buy Women Built brands.
- Within a year of launch, was commissioned to create a bespoke silk scarf for an iconic, historic piece of jewellery by The British Museum, launching this summer.
- Created bespoke commissions for many inspiring international and heritage clients.
- Was awarded a government grant and launched her studio and shop.
- Launched her capsule collection, which will debut in Paris at WSN Who's Next this autumn.
- Sold out of her blue silk twilly collection within a month of product launch (currently restocking).
- Has been featured on multiple outlets and public speaking engagements.
Frankie James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, said:
“When we launched the Great British Entrepreneur Awards in 2012, we set out to back the businesses that get on and build, the ones that don't always get the recognition they deserve. More than a decade on, over 5,000 applications tell me we were onto something. This year's cohort represents billions in turnover and tens of thousands of jobs, but what I'm proudest of is the determination behind those numbers. These are founders who have stuck with it through every kind of year, and championing them is exactly why we do this.”
The Great British Entrepreneur Awards are proudly supported by Allica Bank.
Conrad Ford, Chief Product & Strategy Officer at Allica, said:
“What stands out this year is the optimism and ambition that continue to define the UK's established business community. Having run my own business, I know the resilience, creativity and sheer determination it takes to build something that lasts, especially in challenging times.
“Established businesses are the real economy, making up a third of the UK's GDP and employment, and represented in every town across the country. At Allica, we're proud to support and celebrate their contribution through the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
About the Great British Entrepreneur Awards
Launched in 2012, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards celebrate the hard work and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs and business owners across the UK. Often described as the Grammys of entrepreneurship, the awards have a remarkable alumni community including the founders of Simmer Eats, Grenade, ClearScore, Zilch and Unbiased. Find out more at https://greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com/
The Great British Entrepreneur Awards are part of Ideas Community, the UK entrepreneurship ecosystem behind Ideas Fest, two days of ideas, connection and big thinking for business leaders and entrepreneurs. Find out more at https://ideasfest.uk/
About Kathy Kyle Studio
Kathy Kyle Studio creates bespoke silk pieces that are individually designed, hand-finished by artisans in France and Surrey. Commissioned by the British Museum to reimagine and celebrate one of the most remarkable jewels of the Tudor age, Kathy Kyle Studio is a brand that creates wearable art to be treasured.
Established by Kathy in 2025, her boutique is located in Dorking's antiques quarter at Sandrock House, and offers unique luxury hand-painted and sustainably printed silk scarves, fine accessories, interiors, and bespoke clothing. Our clients are not buying fashion; they commission pieces that hold personal, artistic, and material value for generations to come.
Featured at London Fashion Week as an official British Fashion Council event in 2025, selected for Buy Women Built, and recognised as a Small Business Britain 100 brand, Kathy’s wearable art will be featured in Paris at Premiere Classe Who’s Next 2026. Stockists include Choosing Keeping in Covent Garden, heritage brands, and private clients. Learn more at www.kathykyle.com
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