HEAT joins the FLANNELS Youth-Phoria project, launched in Spring 2023, to present a young entrepreneur fund, accelerating and supporting next-generation excellence in the fields of fashion, innovation and circularity. As the retailer continues to double down on its commitment to home-grown youth culture; inspiring the next generation of rule-breakers and bringing a new set of voices within the business, FLANNELS looks to a true disruptor to lead the Ignite Prize. HEAT, the game-changing digital-first fashion platform that has gained viral attention from industry and shoppers alike since the introduction of its innovative luxury mystery box concept in 2019, is now set to find and accelerate the next wave of future leaders.
With both the FLANNELS and HEAT businesses proudly rooted in the North of England, the project aims to champion the breadth of talent across the UK, with applications encouraged from young people nationwide. Applicants must be aged between 18-25, with either a business idea or a business that was started under five years ago that applies to one or more of the prize categories of fashion, innovation and circularity. The application must display; a clear and concise digital-first business concept including how it solves a current industry ‘problem’, indication of how the grant would be invested, a topline 1-3 year business plan.
HEAT founders Joe Wilkinson and Mario Maher will lead a panel of experts from a cross-section of businesses in the fund categories to select the final three businesses. The supporting panel members are:
Beckie Stanion | Frasers Group, Chief Marketing Officer
With 15 years of experience working as a strategic and creative marketing specialist, Stanion joined Frasers Group in the role of Chief Marketing Officer in early 2022 following a tenure at Sports Direct as the first CMO in the business. Stanion has spearheaded the FLANNELS X project, bringing to life the retailer’s London flagship store with a series of brand activations and cultural events.
Michael Adex | NQ Chief Executive Officer & Founder
Forbes 30 Under 30 member Adex is known for showcasing emerging music talent in the North of England through his Manchester-based 360 talent management company and label NQ. Credited for discovering Aitch, NQ has surpassed 3 billion streams and eight platinum certifications.
Sam Ross | New School Represents, Director
With a background in production, art direction and talent management, Ross founded creative collective and talent agency New School in 2021; now representing a roster of trailblazing creatives that include Dazed editor Ib Kamara, photographer Campbell Addy and set designer Ibby Njoya.
Tora Northman | Highsnobiety, Head of TikTok
Editor, writer and content creator Northman is one of the industry’s most respected voices. Engaging with readers via Tiktok, Northman is establishing new forums for fashion reporting for a Gen Z audience.
Sonika Phakey | TikTok, Global Lifestyle Partnerships
With a background in digital marketing and social media strategy, Phakey is building positive, educational lifestyle content on TikTok through meaningful partnerships with brands globally.
Beckie Stanion comments on the project: “FLANNELS is proud to be able to offer real support to future business leaders through the HEAT Ignite Prize. Our current Youth-Phoria scheme is truly a platform for all of the ability and drive that we see in the next generation, so it was vital that we were able to launch an initiative like this. I’m looking forward to seeing the applications and am hopeful we will get to see some brilliant entrepreneurs from all over the UK.”
Following a judging process, the three selected prize-winners will be announced on Wednesday 5th July. In addition to receiving a £10,000 grant to accelerate their proposed business, each winner will be supported with a year of mentorship from the HEAT founders and other panel members dependent on the area of expertise that most applies to their entrepreneurial field. FLANNELS will also welcome the winners into the business, with an opportunity to show up at some point in the year to follow.
