I started my business at 13, now I've sold over 7,000 pairs of shoes and moved into a new Sunderland HQ
A Sunderland fashion business which helps UK retailers source some of the world's most sought-after trainers has expanded its presence with a new North East head office.
The Sole Guyy has moved to a new 472 sq ft head office and warehouse at the North East BIC in Sunderland following a third successive year of growth. Led by 18-year-old entrepreneur Elliott Usher, the business supplies British fashion and leisure retailers with rare trainers from Asics and Nike.
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Since launching in 2023, the business has sold more than 7,000 pairs of footwear, ranging from Nike Air Jordans and P-9000s to sought-after Asics Gel Keano 14s and Gel 1130s. The opening of the office and warehouse will enable the business with the space required to continue building on this success as it looks to further increase sales and turnover in 2026.
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Usher said: "Last year was our best yet with turnover hitting a record high and a number of new retailers joining our roster. We also made the strategic decision to focus solely on Asics and Nike as opposed to supplying several brands, which was somewhat of a risk but has proven to be one worth taking.
"Looking forward, our aim is to build on this momentum in 2026 by onboarding more customers and expanding our product range and this new unit will be key to achieving that."
The Sole Guyy has operated from the BIC since 2023 when Usher, who initially set the business up from home aged just 13, opened his first dedicated office. The company has since grown rapidly and, after securing a loan from the North East Fund last year to help scale the business, Elliott has bold ambitions for the future.
Paul McEldon OBE, chief executive of the BIC, added: "It's fantastic to see The Sole Guyy continuing to grow its presence at the BIC. The BIC was established to provide the flexible workspace and support required to help small businesses start up and grow and this is a fantastic example of that."