Winners revealed for UK accelerator supporting emerging beauty entrepreneurs

Breakout Beauty UK, an accelerator programme supporting emerging beauty entrepreneurs in building globally recognised brands, has announced its two winners.

The scheme is backed by partners including Boots, TikTok Shop, HSBC Innovation Banking, and FDD International, with further support from Bird & Bird, the British Beauty Council, and Venrex.

The programme attracted applications from more than 200 founders. This year’s cohort showcased a diverse group of entrepreneurs, with 80% identifying as women and significant representation from BAME founders across the industry.

Across six weeks, the previously announced finalists were supported by Growth Studio through mentorship, investment guidance, retail access, and business development sessions, leading up to the announcement of the two winners this week.

The founders selected for this year’s top prize are Erim Kaur of ByErim - an inclusive hair and beard care brand inspired by Kaur's cultural heritage of hair oiling and self-expression - and Oliver Batiste and Owen Machon of Make Waves, a refillable neutral antiperspirant brand championing sustainability and performance.

Additional awards included the Innovator Award for Stria Lab; the Impact Award jointly for Clear for Men and Ominira Naturals; and the Best Brand Award for Project Plump.

FDD International also presented a Special Recognition Award to Louis Watkins, founder of Clear for Men, for his brand’s work combining skincare with mental health advocacy.

Each winner will receive a guaranteed Boots listing across 10 stores and share a prize package worth more than £350,000.