Five UK founders showing that meaningful impact—and not just profit—can guide a company, blending creativity, care, and consistent effort along the way.

This edition highlights five ventures shaped by everyday problems and a clear drive to solve them. Nick Walsh’s Nickel Support helps adults with learning disabilities through work experience and life-skill coaching. Paul Blair’s ArcX Technology offers hands-free device control with smart rings for active users. Chamiah Dewey’s DEWEY designs sustainable clothing for a long-overlooked petite market. Sholto and Hugo Brown keep artistic play alive through id-iom, mixing street and pop influences. Eva Malley’s bright, affordable products invite everyone to explore creativity. Though each founder faces challenges with time, funding, and growth, they continue to move forward with purpose.

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Nickel Support Community Interest Company
Nick Walsh

Focused on building real opportunity for adults with learning disabilities, Nick Walsh launched Nickel Support alongside colleague Elena Nicola, designing a social enterprise based on tailored, person-first programmes.

Nick's Background
Born in South London, Nick studied business computing before realising he wanted his work to have social meaning. “I never want to work in computers,” he jokes, explaining how he found a more fulfilling path in direct community impact.

More About Nickel Support
The company runs three “purpose pods”—employment, health, and relationships—giving trainees practical tools for independence. Shops like Interestingly Different and Beans & Bloom serve as learning spaces where trainees gain paid experience. “We support the trainees to grow skills and find balance in these key areas,” Nick says.

Key Challenges
Hiring mission-aligned staff has been one of the toughest tests. “We’ve had to step back from being hands-on as the organisation has grown,” Nick explains. Candidates now spend time with trainees during the selection process to ensure a good match.

Successful Highlights
Awards line the walls, but Nick’s real pride comes from personal progress: “It’s the positive changes we’ve seen in the individuals we support that gives me the most pride,” he says.

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ArcX Technology
Paul Blair

With experience in both the military and corporate world, Paul Blair co-founded ArcX Technology to develop smart rings that give users control of devices without interrupting activity.

Paul's Background
After serving in the British Army, Paul went on to work in senior marketing and product roles. In 2019, he left that behind to launch a start-up. “I wanted the pace and challenge that comes with building something from scratch,” he says.

More About ArcX Technology
The rings allow users to skip tracks, adjust volume, or activate cameras—all with a small, wearable button. The device modules can also be inserted into handlebar mounts or custom ring shells. “It’s about offering control, not just collecting data,” Paul explains.

Key Challenges
The early years were difficult. “We came very close to closing down,” Paul says. Limited funding and a long research phase tested their patience, but they persevered through a full product cycle.

Successful Highlights
Reaching launch was the biggest win. “We’re proud of the awards and press,” Paul says, “but the real achievement was getting the product to market after three years of full effort and limited resources.”

DEWEY
Chamiah Dewey

Tired of compromising on fit, Chamiah Dewey founded DEWEY to make sustainable, tailored clothes for shoppers 5 ft and under.

Chamiah's Background
Chamiah grew up in Hampshire and moved to London at 19 to attend the London College of Fashion. She launched DEWEY during her final year of study. “That time taught me how to push through limitations,” she says.

More About DEWEY
The label’s custom size chart covers a wide range of petite proportions. “We’re designed in London and sell directly through our website and store,” Chamiah explains.

Key Challenges
Funding was her steepest hurdle. “I started DEWEY as a student without savings or financial backup,” she says. Today, she’s preparing for a pre-seed funding round.

Successful Highlights
Being stocked by Selfridges stands out. “It still feels surreal that we launched in the Bond Street store just four months after launching,” Chamiah says.

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id-iom
Sholto and Hugo Brown

Blending sibling creativity with bold visuals, Sholto and Hugo Brown built id-iom, a street-art studio known for comic-style graphics and mixed media.

Sholto and Hugo's Background
Self-taught on the Isle of Man, the brothers started with clothing and moved into murals and gallery work. “We’ve always been drawn to bright, character-driven art,” Sholto says.

More About id-iom
From stencils to collage to spray paint, id-iom thrives on variety. “We never stop trying new things,” Sholto explains. Their work draws on music, pop culture, and classic comic books to create visual stories with humour and attitude.

Key Challenges
Managing every part of the business has been intense. “Being your own photographer, curator, and distributor on top of creating the work—that’s been the hardest part,” Sholto admits.

Successful Highlights
Their art has been shown internationally, and they’ve worked with festivals, celebrities, and global brands. “We’ve had a lot of fun doing it,” Sholto adds.

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Eva Malley
Eva Malley

Dedicated to keeping art affordable and joyful, Eva Malley runs an online shop featuring playful illustrations, accessories, and stationery.

Eva’s Background
Eva grew up in Brighton and moved to Bristol for its creative energy. She started selling tote bags in 2018. “At first it was just a hobby,” she says, “but when people started sharing it online, I knew it had potential.”

More About Eva Malley
Her products reflect daily life and early adulthood, keeping production small to reduce waste. “I want art to be something anyone can own,” Eva says.

Key Challenges
Demand spiked during lockdown. “In 2020 and 2021, I was still in uni and packing orders from 6am to midnight,” she recalls. Pre-orders and tighter production timelines helped her regain structure.

Successful Highlights
For Eva, the biggest milestone has been becoming self-sufficient through art. “Living on my own in Bristol, making art full-time—that’s all I ever wanted,” she says.

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Final Remarks
These founders show that addressing practical needs with care and originality can spark businesses that matter. Nick Walsh helps build independent lives for people with learning disabilities, and Paul Blair’s wearable tech adds simplicity to everyday motion. Chamiah Dewey’s fashion brand fills a long-ignored market, while Sholto and Hugo Brown continue to create bold, boundary-pushing art. Eva Malley reminds us that creativity belongs to everyone. Their shared lessons? Stay connected to your audience, protect your values, and remember that building something meaningful doesn’t have to mean doing it like everyone else. As Chamiah says, “Sustainability isn’t just about materials—it’s about creating something meaningful that lasts.” These five founders prove that change can start with a small idea and a lot of intention.

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