Rochdale’s Rainbow & Co clothing brand shortlisted for Small Award

A Rochdale-based LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, Asexual plus other non-binary sexualities and genderfluid identities) clothing and accessories brand has been shortlisted for the Sole to Sole Award 2023 at this year’s Small Awards.

Adam Holcroft started Rainbow & Co in response to having to leave his job as a social media manager after a mental health breakdown, which ultimately resulted in an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis at the age of 27.

With traditional employment no longer a viable option, Adam decided to start his own business in September 2018.

Adam has been chosen as one of just eight finalists for the Sole to Sole Award for the best self-employed small business owner who has the tenacity and drive it takes to go it alone.

Adam said: “I am thrilled and honoured to be shortlisted for the Small Awards in the Sole to Sole category.

“As a queer and autistic owned business, I am proud to represent diversity and inclusivity in the business world. I am grateful to be part of a community of outstanding small businesses in the UK, and I look forward to continuing to bring colour and joy to the LGBTQIA+ community."

 

 

Now in its seventh year, The Small Awards is a nationwide search for the smallest and greatest firms in the UK, across all sectors. It is organised annually by Small Business Britain, which champions, inspires, and accelerates the nation’s 5.5 million small firms.

With eleven different categories, the Small Awards celebrate the dynamism and resilience of the UK’s small business sector, across everything from sustainability heroes to digital stars, to long-standing family businesses.

“The Small Awards is all about celebrating the incredible small business owners who are at the heart of the economy and communities,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain.

“They are an opportunity to recognise and applaud the passion and tenacity of the nation’s small firms, particularly during such turbulent times. Rainbow & Co should be incredibly proud of being shortlisted for this award and we can’t wait to celebrate with them in May.”

Judged by a panel of industry experts, the winners of all categories, along with the overall winner of Small Business of the Year, will be announced at an awards night at St Mary’s Church in London on 18 May 2023.