Awards & Recognition
Award-winning entrepreneur and visionary leader
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Featured in the following publications and awards:
Great British Entrepreneur Awards finalist for four consecutive years
DE PAULA
Charles de Paula is a highly accomplished individual who has received numerous awards and industry recognition for his exceptional contributions. His visionary approach and entrepreneurial spirit have positioned him as a leader in his field. Notable accolades include being a finalist for the Drapers Awards' Disruptor Award in both 2022 and 2023, a finalist for the Great British Entrepreneur Awards' Technology Entrepreneur of the Year in 2023, and a winner at the Creative Bath Awards for Best App & Website in 2023. Charles has also been recognised for his innovative mindset as a finalist for the RTIH Innovation Awards, Techies Awards, Tech South West Awards, and the International Trade Council Awards. With his commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering ground breaking solutions, Charles de Paula continues to inspire and shape the industry.
SEIKK
SEIKK is an award-winning website and app. It is described as "A Shoppable Magazine for Active Gentlemen," covering topics such as menswear, adventure sports, design, technology, and automobilia. SEIKK serves as a lifestyle hub that combines content and commerce to engage and gain the trust of buyers, making their customer journey of discovery easier. The prestigious Startups 100 index has recognised SEIKK as one of the most innovative and disruptive businesses in the UK. Charles de Paula is the Founder & CEO.
2024
- Drapers Awards finalists (‘Disruptor Award’, ‘International Excellence Award’, and ‘Pureplay of the Year Award’ in 2024)
- RTIH Innovation Awards finalist (Virtual Store of the Year in 2024)
- Tech South West Awards finalist (CreaTech Award in 2024)
- Drapers Independents Awards finalist (Best Pureplay Independent Retailer in 2024)
- EntreConf Awards finalist (Media Award in 2024)
- Great British Entrepreneur Awards finalist (Retail Entrepreneur of the Year in 2024)
- Innovation & Excellence Awards winner (Adventure Magazine of the Year 2024)
- UK StartUp Awards finalists and regional winner (‘Global StartUp of the Year’ and ‘Retail & E-Commerce StartUp of the Year’ 2024)
- CorporateLiveWire Global Awards winner (Clothing & Lifestyle Company of the Year 2023/24)
- Business Insight Review (Best Companies to Watch in 2024)
- Bath Life Awards finalist (Retail Award in 2024)
- FI Funding Lab backed (2024)
2023
- Drapers Awards finalist (Disruptor Award in 2023)
- Great British Entrepreneur Awards finalist (Technology Entrepreneur of the Year in 2023)
- Creative Bath Awards finalists and winner (Best App & Website, Publisher & Writer and Founder/ Entrepreneur in 2023)
2022
- RTIH Innovation Awards finalist (Startup of the Year (UK) in 2022)
- Techies Awards finalist (Best User Experience in 2022)
- Drapers Awards finalist (Disruptor Award in 2022)
- Tech South West Awards finalist (Growth Award in 2022)
- Great British Entrepreneur Awards finalist (Creative Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022)
- International Trade Council Awards finalist (Go Global Award 2022)
- Creative Bath Awards finalist (Best Startup & Writer Publisher in 2022)
- Bizbubble Awards (Best Digital Biz in 2022)
- Techies Awards finalist (Best User Experience in 2022)
- Founder Institute backed (2022)
- NatWest Accelerator backed (2022)
2021
- Startups 100 (2021)
- Great British Entrepreneur Awards finalist (Entrepreneurial Spirit Award in 2021)
- GWG Awards finalist (Best Content Creation on the Web in 2021)
- Sparkies Awards nominated (People’s Choice in 2021)
- Techies Awards finalist (Best User Experience in 2021)
UPTO 2020
- Drapers Digital Awards finalist (Best Use of Content in 2020)
- Techies Awards finalist (Best Startup in 2020)
- Sparkies Awards nominated (People’s Choice in 2019)
- Chosen by Virgin (2018)
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."
Winston Churchill
SurfStitch
The SurfStitch Group is an ASX-listed, industry-leading action sports and youth apparel content network and online retailer. SurfStitch, Swell, Surfdome, Magicseaweed, Garage Entertainment, and Stab Magazine, together with Surf Hardware International (FCS, Gorilla, Hydro, and Softech brands), represent a digital ecosystem capable of capturing and influencing all points of the surf and action sports lifestyle cycle. The group was valued at circa $550M in 2015.
2011-2014
ORIA's best Pure-Play Retailer in 2012, and 2014.
Chemical Records
Chemical Records is a multi-branded "music lifestyle store" that sells men's and women's clothing, footwear, accessories, skate hardware, DJ equipment, records, and MP3s. Chemical was considered a world leader in the Drum & Bass and Dubstep genres and ran various music labels with renowned underground dance music artists.
2009-2011
Nominated by Drapers for 'Menswear Retailer of the Year 2011.'
FAQ
Is winning awards a positive indicator of the quality of my product?
Yes, winning awards is generally considered a positive indicator of the quality of your product. Awards are typically given by reputable organizations, industry experts, or professionals who recognize exceptional products or services. Achieving recognition through awards suggests that your product has met or surpassed certain standards, indicating its high quality.
Does winning awards enhance customer trust in my product?
Certainly. Winning awards enhances customer trust in your product. When potential customers see that your product has received recognition and endorsement from trusted sources, it increases their confidence in its quality and reliability. Awards serve as external validation, providing customers with reassurance and influencing their purchasing decisions.
Can winning awards differentiate my product from competitors?
Yes, winning awards can help differentiate your product from competitors in a crowded market. Awards highlight the unique qualities and strengths of your product, setting it apart from others. This differentiation makes your product more memorable and desirable to potential customers, giving you a competitive edge in attracting new customers and retaining existing ones.
Are there specific types of awards that hold more significance or impact?
The significance and impact of awards may vary depending on the industry and target audience. Generally, awards from well-respected industry associations, influential publications, or recognized experts carry more weight and credibility. It is essential to research the reputation and influence of the awarding body before attaching significant importance to an award. Customer-driven awards or those based on user reviews can also be valuable, as they reflect the satisfaction and endorsement of actual users.
Can winning awards positively impact my sales and revenue?
Yes, winning awards can have a positive impact on your sales and revenue. Awards generate positive publicity, media coverage, and social media buzz around your product. This increased exposure attracts more potential customers, leading to higher sales volumes and increased revenue. Additionally, the credibility and trust associated with award-winning products often justify higher price points, allowing for increased profitability.
How can I effectively leverage my award wins in my marketing efforts?
To effectively leverage your award wins in your marketing efforts:
Promote the awards on your website: Create a dedicated page or section on your website to showcase your award wins, providing detailed information about each award and its significance.
Display award badges or logos: Use award badges prominently on your website, product packaging, marketing materials, and email signatures to visually reinforce your product's credibility.
Share the news on social media: Announce and celebrate your award wins on social media platforms to generate excitement and engagement among your followers.
Issue press releases: Send out press releases to relevant media outlets, industry publications, and influencers to gain additional coverage and exposure.
Include award information in advertising campaigns: Highlight your award wins in your advertising campaigns across various channels, emphasizing the recognition and quality associated with your product.