Sports Feet hits the ground running following Start Up Loan support
- Wednesday, January 29, 2025
- Posted By The Growth Company
Stockport-based Sports Feet has gone from strength to strength, securing a second £10,000 Start Up Loan through the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme, delivered by GC Business Finance (GCBF).
Founded in 2020 by Alison Cheetham and David Edwards, the independent specialist running shop was born from their shared love of running. Having worked together as travel agents since 1984, the duo had to rethink their business model when the travel industry came to a standstill during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With support from GCBF, Alison and David used their initial £10,000 Start Up Loan to kit out their Hazel Grove store and purchase stock. Despite facing 130 days of closure in their first six months, they persevered, and today, Sports Feet is Stockport’s only specialist running shop, providing expert advice and high-quality running gear to the local community.
Beyond retail, Sports Feet has fostered a thriving running community. Their social running group has grown from six to 58 members, and turnover has increased by at least 50% year on year. Their success has been widely recognized, with Alison and David receiving the Barclays Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2023.
Sports Feet also hosts two major annual running events, including the Stockport Daffodil 10k, which has doubled in size from 800 runners in its first year to 1,600 in year three. Entries for their 2025 event are already 50% up on last year.
Looking ahead, Alison and David are focused on expanding their running community, making the sport more accessible to all, and eventually opening a second store.
Alison Cheetham, Co-Founder of Sports Feet, said: “Starting our business during the pandemic brought us lots of uncertainties, but since then we have built Sports Feet into a business that brings together members of the Stockport community. Our business not only gives people a place to run, but it also gives them a space to meet new people.
“The GCBF team made accessing the right funding to get Sports Feet up and running straightforward, and we’re grateful for their part in our journey. As we continue to grow, we want everyone, no matter their age or ability, to feel they are welcome to come run with us or pop into our shop for a chat.”
Alex Mearns, Head of Start Up Lending at GC Business Finance, said: “In just four years, Sports Feet has transformed itself into a thriving business that is offering something unique in the local area. Jamie Ralph, the underwriter on this deal, has done a great job supporting Alison and David, helping them access the funding and support they needed to get the business to where it is now. I look forward to seeing what is next for the pair as they continue to take Sports Feet from strength to strength.”
Delyth Edwards, Senior Manager for the North West at the British Business Bank, said: “Alison and David exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience entrepreneurs in the North West have. Sports Feet is one of many businesses the Start Up Loans programme supported during the Covid-19 Pandemic, ensuring small businesses can continue to grow and succeed despite more challenging economic conditions. I hope for the best for them both as they continue on their entrepreneurial journey.”