Two sisters from Harrogate have reached the national finals of one of the UK's most prestigious business awards after building a thriving lifestyle brand.
Clare and Lucy Bulmer, founders of Luce and Bear, have been named finalists in the Family Business category at the 2026 Enterprise Vision Awards, the UK's largest celebration of women in business.
The Enterprise Vision Award recognise outstanding women entrepreneurs across the UK. Finalists are selected through a rigorous application and judging process, with the ceremony taking place later this year.
Coral Horn, founder of the EVAS, said:
"Every year I read applications that make me smile, laugh, cry and occasionally sit back and think, 'wow'.
"Being named an EVAS Finalist is about much more than business success.
"It's recognition of the courage, resilience and determination it takes to build something meaningful."
The sisters were originally shocked to discover they had been confidentially nominated for the awards by someone who felt their business journey deserved recognition.
The nomination praised the pair for launching their business during the uncertainty of the pandemic and highlighted Lucy’s ongoing battle with chronic illness alongside the challenges of growing a successful brand.
As part of the awards process, Clare and Lucy were invited to attend a Westminster Reception at the historic House of Lords, where they joined female entrepreneurs from across the UK for afternoon tea and inspirational talks from leading business figures, including entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis.
The day almost didn’t happen after travel disruption threatened to derail their plans.
Clare said:
“We very nearly didn’t make it; our train broke down before we even got to York!
“We had to leg it across London on the hottest day of the year and made it through the airport-style security at the House of Lords just in the nick of time!
“The setting was incredible; we had drinks on the terrace overlooking the Thames and then a very fancy afternoon tea! It was surreal. We had an unbelievable day and just felt so lucky to have been offered such an amazing opportunity.”
The sisters have now progressed to the final stages of the awards and will next face an interview with an esteemed judging panel as they compete for the national Family Business title ahead of the awards ceremony at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens in October.
Lucy said:
“We can't believe we've been selected as finalists! It's a real honour for our small, family-run business to be recognised alongside so many inspiring women and incredible businesses.
"Our aim has always been to design products with positive messages, that hopefully make people smile, even on the tough days!
"We are also big believers in good old fashioned customer service and that laughter really is the best medicine! We're just so happy the judges can see potential in our small brand.
"The best bit is that, whatever happens, we get to put our glad rags on and go to the awards ceremony. We'll definitely be raising a glass to all our supporters to say thank you for always cheering us on!"
Luce and Bear has grown a loyal community of customers who appreciate the brand’s warmth, grit, and humour.
Their signature SOS (Story of Sisters) design was inspired by Lucy’s experience living with late stage Lyme Disease and has become a symbol of strength and hope for many customers.
Since launching, Luce and Bear has gone on to achieve a string of notable successes.
Last year the business was named Best Women's Style in Yorkshire at the Muddy Stilettos Awards, won a Small Business Award from Theo Paphitis, and received the Judges' Choice Award at the national Woman Who Achieves Awards with the judging panel praising the sisters' positivity and proclaiming "we predict a very bright future for this dynamic duo.”
The winners of the Enterprise Vision Awards will be announced at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, on 2 October 2026.
Luce and Bear can be found online at www.luceandbear.co.uk and at many pop-up events across Yorkshire throughout the year.
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