Hello Roses,

Update for you all. Unfortunately, I found out last week that my application to Innovate UK for grant money to help progress to the next stage, was unsuccessful. This was a massive blow, because I could have really done with that money to help speed up the process for the next stage and be a lot closer to launch date, but it was not to be.

There’s no point dwelling on the situation, as there is always another way. The next steps will be completed and Lucy Rose will be one step closer to launch, albeit through a different vehicle.

In other news, the merging of our new technology with the traditional shoe making process was a cause for considerable concern for me for quite some time. We had an awesome product, but what if it meant having to completely re-invent the wheel for the manufacturing process, and required new equipment rendering the cost of production unrealistically high? Or worse still, shoe manufacturers turning down the opportunity because it was not what they knew?

This worry was laid to rest yesterday when an independent shoe-maker with an open mind understood the challenges but concluded they were able to be achieved. This was a weight off my shoulders and the first time I could truly begin to feel confident in not only the product, but the manufacturing methods too.

Although the funding gap is a problem at the moment, it is just another hurdle to overcome like all the others we already have.

Stay safe everyone, and here’s hoping we can actually talk about something other than Coronavirus at some point soon! *fingers crossed*

Until next time,

Emily x