Harrogate sisters are finalists in 2026 national business awards

Clare and Lucy Bulmer, of Harrogate, founded Luce and Bear, a lifestyle brand known for its humour and heart.

They are now finalists in the Family Business category at the 2026 Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAs), described as the UK’s largest celebration of women in business.

Their success is a result of perseverance and creativity.

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.”

Clare and Lucy were unaware they had been confidentially nominated by someone who admired their story.

The nomination highlighted Lucy’s ongoing battle with chronic illness and the sisters’ decision to launch their business during the pandemic.

As part of the awards process, the Bulmer sisters were invited to a Westminster Reception at the House of Lords.

There, they joined female entrepreneurs from across the UK for afternoon tea and talks from leading business figures, including Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis.

Clare said: “We very nearly didn’t make it; our train broke down just before 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.”

She described the day as unbelievable, with drinks on the terrace overlooking the Thames and an elegant afternoon tea.

Both said they felt “so lucky” to be offered such an opportunity.

The sisters will now face an interview with a judging panel as they compete for the national Family Business title.

The awards ceremony will take place 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 built a loyal community around its products, which are known for their warmth, humour, and grit.

Their signature SOS (Story of Sisters) design was inspired by Lucy’s experience with late-stage Lyme Disease.

The business has already received several awards and accolades, including Best Women’s Style in Yorkshire at the Muddy Stilettos Awards.

It also earned a Small Business Sunday Award from Theo Paphitis and the Judges’ Choice Award at the national Woman Who Achieves Awards.

Judges said: “we predict a very bright future for this dynamic duo.”

The Enterprise Vision Awards ceremony will take place at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, on 2 October 2026.

Luce and Bear continues to grow its presence through regular pop-up events across Yorkshire.

The brand plans new product launches and events throughout the year.

More information is available at www.luceandbear.co.uk.