A fashion business helping UK retailers source the world’s most sought-after trainers has expanded its presence in the North East of England.
The Sole Guyy has moved to a new 472 sq ft head office and warehouse at the North East BIC following a third successive year of growth.
Led by 18-year-old entrepreneur Elliott Usher, The Sole Guyy supplies British fashion and leisure retailers with rare trainers from Asics and Nike.
Since its launch in 2023, the firm has sold over 7,000 pairs of footwear, ranging from rare Nike Air Jordans and P-9000s to sought-after Asics Gel Keano 14s and Gel 1130s.
The opening of the new office and warehouse will provide the business with the space required to continue building on this success as it looks to further increase sales and turnover in 2026.
Elliott 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 Elliott, who initially set the business up from home while 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 – courtesy of signposting from the BIC’s on-site business advisers – Elliott has bold ambitions for the future.
Elliott added: “We were almost at capacity at our previous premises at the BIC, so we approached the team about the possibility of expanding into a larger unit.
“We’ve been based here since we set the business up in 2023 and the team couldn’t have been any more accommodating.
“As well as helping us move into the new unit, they also pointed us in the direction of funding providers who could help grow the business which has been a real help.
“We’ve since secured a business loan thanks to that support, which alongside this new larger unit will be key to enabling us to scale up our operations as we continue growing.
“It’s been the perfect launchpad for the business and I have no doubt it will continue to serve us well as we seek to increase our market share and expand the business.”
Paul McEldon OBE, chief executive of the BIC, said: “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.
“It has provided the perfect springboard for Elliott to set up and scale the business and we’re looking forward to supporting him as he continues to go from strength-to-strength.”