Two Harrogate sisters behind a popular local fashion brand are celebrating a landmark year.
Clare and Lucy Bulmer, sisters and co-founders of Luce and Bear, have seen an extraordinary run of awards, national recognition and meaningful collaborations in 2025.
The independent Yorkshire brand began the year by being selected as winners of Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday (SBS) Award, receiving their certificate in person from the TV Dragon at the annual SBS winners’ event in Birmingham.
The accolade placed Luce and Bear among a select group of innovative and inspiring small businesses from across the UK.
The sisters were then crowned Best Women’s Style in Yorkshire at the 2025 Muddy Stilettos Awards, one of the UK’s most respected awards platforms for independent businesses, reaching over 11 million people nationally.
The awards celebrate the most unique and brilliant local businesses across the UK, and recognised Luce and Bear’s bold, empowering approach to fashion and design.
Momentum continued on a national stage when Luce and Bear received a Judges’ Commendation at the Woman Who Achieves Awards 2025, celebrating their business journey, community impact and future vision.
The judges praised the sisters' positivity, infectious enthusiasm and ability to uplift others:
“What a joy it was to interview Lucy and Clare.
"We were impressed by their positivity and their use of storytelling to educate and empower others.
“Their attention to detail along with a personal approach was reflected in their excellent customer service.
“We predict a very bright future for this dynamic duo.”
2025 also saw Luce and Bear invited to create a special commemorative design for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s 25th Anniversary, a collaboration close to the sisters’ hearts and one they describe as a ‘huge honour.’
Brand co-founder Clare Bulmer said:
“It’s honestly been the most incredible year.
“From meeting Theo Paphitis, to winning regional and national awards, and being trusted to design for such an important Yorkshire charity. We just feel incredibly grateful.”
Luce and Bear aims to be known for creating ‘feel-good’ clothing and accessories that ‘make people smile, even on tough days.’
Their signature Healing Hoodie features the symbolic SOS (Story of Sisters) design, inspired by Lucy’s ongoing battle with late-stage Lyme Disease.
Clare added:
“None of this would have been possible without our customers.
“The support we’ve received online, at pop-ups, and from our local community, has been overwhelming.
“This year really belongs to them as much as it does to us. We strongly believe in good old fashioned customer service and that laughter really is the best medicine!
“We would like to thank our amazing customers for backing our little brand and believing in what we do.”
For more information about Luce and Bear, visit www.luceandbear.co.uk
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