Swimwear designer from Waterlooville hopes to be named the UK’s top young entrepreneur at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards

A SWIMWEAR designer is hoping to make a splash with her business skills as she battles it out for a top gong.
Designs from Tomia Swim, set up by Katrina Dilnot, from WaterloovilleDesigns from Tomia Swim, set up by Katrina Dilnot, from Waterlooville
Designs from Tomia Swim, set up by Katrina Dilnot, from Waterlooville

Katrina Dilnot, founder and chief executive of Tomia Swim, has been shortlisted in the Young Entrepreneur category in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

The 26-year-old swimwear designer and entrepreneur set up Tomia Swim after taking a month off of work due to an operation.

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She used the time wisely, sketching swimwear ideas that suited her personal taste, which then led to researching and contacting various factories, and resulted in her stocking nine different swimwear styles and a range of sunglasses.

Designs from Tomia Swim, set up by Katrina Dilnot, from Waterlooville Designs from Tomia Swim, set up by Katrina Dilnot, from Waterlooville
Designs from Tomia Swim, set up by Katrina Dilnot, from Waterlooville

Katrina, from Waterlooville, said: ‘There was a lot of trial and error at first. It started with a few sketches and researching different factories to send samples off to. Quality of the product is very important to me.’

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Founded in April 2019, Katrina saw a gap in the swimwear market for lasting designs, providing timeless, modern swimwear for women, with a focus on pieces that can be worn time and time again.

She now hopes to expand the team and branch out into designing men’s swimwear.

Designs from Tomia Swim, set up by Katrina Dilnot, from Waterlooville Designs from Tomia Swim, set up by Katrina Dilnot, from Waterlooville
Designs from Tomia Swim, set up by Katrina Dilnot, from Waterlooville
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Katrina said: ‘After observing the swimwear available in the UK, there was a clear gap for lasting designs, that are also modern and on trend.

‘The journey so far has been incredible, and I have learnt so much along the way.

‘Being nominated for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award has been a massive achievement in itself.

‘We have faced worry and uncertainty over the last few months, so this news was the perfect reminder that there are some good times ahead.’

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The Great British Entrepreneur Awards acknowledges the hard work and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs and businesses in the UK.

The awards have celebrated some outstanding entrepreneurs who have gone on to become household names such as BrewDog, Tangle Teezer, LADBible, Clearscore and The Cambridge Satchel Company.

Judges of the awards include Hayley Parsons, who founded Go Compare, Cath Kidston, Lord Bilimoria of Cobra Beer and Kanya King, the founder of the MOBO awards.

Founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards Francesca James said: ‘Given what we’ve seen over the past few months, the 2020 edition of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards is arguably the most important.

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‘Now, more than ever, it’s vital that we celebrate the achievements of the country’s entrepreneurs and their determination in the face of such adversity.’

This year the regional heats will be held online on September 23.

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