Local Surrey Business makes TOP 100!
Sustainable sock company Teddy Locks, based in Oxted, was acknowledged on Monday at the House of Lords as a Small Business Saturday Top 100 business!
This Saturday 7th December the nation celebrates Small Business Saturday. Celebrating its 12th year, and run in partnership with American Express, Small Business Saturday campaigns for shopping small!
There are a recorded 5.5million small businesses in the UK and this year local business Teddy Locks has been selected as one of their Top 100!
Teddy Locks is a sustainable sock company working to stamp out single-use plastic, with every pair of Teddy Locks socks being made from at least 2 recycled plastic bottles.
"I was traveling the world as a wildlife TV producer but no matter how far away I was working I was always confronted by single-use plastic, so I decided I needed to help do something about it and set about building a brand that could make a difference" tells founder Samantha Tollworthy.
After leaving her dream job, Samantha set about researching and developing a product that could help divert waste from ending up in our environment. "It was clear that we have enough materials in circulation, but that we simply need new ways to repurpose it."
"I didn't want the sock to be a gimmick, so I made sure to learn everything I could about producing the world's best. I spent months at the knitting mill and by working directly with all of my suppliers I created a product that I am really proud of." After 404 days Samantha was ready to launch her product on crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, where in just a few days she was 200% funded.
"It was clear that there was demand for both a better sock, as well as products and brands that cared about their impact".
Teddy Locks is Green Certified and operated from Samantha's home in Oxted. To date, she has recycled more than 42,000 plastic bottles into soft, breathable and longer-lasting socks. Samantha recently collaborated with sustainable travel company the Slow Cyclist and is keen to work with other conscious companies to help lower their footprint.
"My goal has always been to transform as many bottles as I can into Teddy Locks socks, by working with other organisations we can reach more people and have an even greater impact".
On Monday, Samantha was celebrated for her innovation and commitment to sustainability at the House of Lords in Westminster. "I have never been behind the gates of Parliament, it was a really special occassion and a great opportunity to meet other inspirational small businesses from across the country."
Until Christmas Eve, for every pair of Teddy Locks purchased Samantha is donating another pair to local charity, Their Voice, who are working to support survivors of modern day slavery. So if you are still looking for stocking fillers, a feel-good secret santa gift or are simply fed up with socks that get holes then make sure to shop teddylocks.com in support of Small Business Saturday.
Teddy Locks socks feature seamless toe technology, are reinforced in the heel and toe, and arch support. They are moisture wicking, thermo-regulating and quick-drying. They are luxuriously soft, longer-lasting, better for the planet socks!
Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities.
The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.
On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, online, in offices and in stores.