We are proud to share some exciting news across The Zip Yard network.

Neluka Dunning, owner of The Zip Yard UK and Ireland, has been named a Finalist for Female Entrepreneur of the Year at the UK Small Business Awards 2026.

The awards celebrate the very best of UK small businesses, recognising individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation and impact.

To be shortlisted is a significant achievement and reflects both Neluka’s journey and the strength of the wider Zip Yard network.

From one store to a national network

Neluka’s journey with The Zip Yard began in 2019 when she purchased her first franchise store in Leeds after taking a career break to raise her children.

What started as a single location quickly became something much bigger.

Within 18 months, Neluka had acquired the GB master licence and in April 2025, alongside her husband Neil, became co-owner of the entire Zip Yard network across the UK, Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Today, that network spans more than 50 stores, each delivering expert clothing alterations and repairs within their local communities.

Leadership built on people

While the growth of the business is significant, what truly defines Neluka’s leadership is her approach.

She remains closely connected to the day-to-day reality of the business, regularly spending time in stores, supporting franchise owners and working alongside teams. It is a hands-on, people-first approach that ensures the business continues to deliver the high standards and personal service it is known for.

This recognition as a finalist is not just about individual achievement. It reflects the collective effort of franchise owners, skilled seamstresses and teams across the network who deliver for customers every single day.

A business with purpose

At its core, The Zip Yard is about more than clothing alterations.

By repairing, restyling and extending the life of garments, the business plays an important role in supporting more sustainable fashion choices. Every item altered or repaired is one less item heading to landfill and one more garment given a second life.

Alongside this, The Zip Yard continues to support local communities across the UK and Ireland, with many stores actively involved in charitable initiatives, including working with organisations such as Homeless Street Angels to repair donated clothing for those in need.

Looking ahead

Being named a finalist at the UK Small Business Awards is an important milestone, but for Neluka and the wider Zip Yard network, it is very much part of an ongoing journey.

The ambition remains clear to continue growing the network while staying true to the values that have made The Zip Yard what it is today. Trust, skill, care and community remain at the heart of everything they do.

The UK Small Business Awards will take place on 19 December 2026 at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, where winners will be announced.

Until then, it is business as usual across the network, supporting customers, championing franchise owners and continuing to deliver expert alterations and repairs in communities across the UK and Ireland.

Good luck Neluka!