Founded: 2008
Founder: Rowan Gormley
Turnover 2010: £10.9m
Turnover 2011: £20.5m (est)
Web: www.nakedwines.com
Founder Rowan Gormley knows a thing or two about wine. Born in South Africa, he founded and ran Virgin Wines for Richard Branson for eight years, before launching Naked Wines in December 2008.
Endorsed by Jamie Oliver – who favours the business because “they support passionate, independent wine producers by importing their tasty plonk to the UK” – Naked Wines fast developed a loyal following, attracting over 70,000 customers in its first 15 months in operation.
The business invests in independent winemakers around the world in return for exclusive wines at preferential prices – which are passed on to their customers. Customers can invest by becoming a Naked Wine Angel, through which they save money towards future orders and receive discounts, free samples and invitations.
“In order to compete with the industry big boys, we knew we had to offer UK wine drinkers something unique,” explained partnership manager Dina Pestonji. “By inviting customers to invest in their wines before they’ve been made, everybody wins. Winemakers have the security and cash-flow to focus on what they love, and wine drinkers are rewarded with more juice for their buck.
“Our customers also help us select our wines, at trade fairs, at tastings and via our online forums.”
Indeed the business is credited as the first UK wine retailer to fully optimise the online platform by integrating social networking with its retail store, providing greater interaction with their customers. This also allows customers to talk directly to the winemakers and each other, as well as providing a platform through which they can find drinking buddies, upload content and integrate their ratings with Twitter and Facebook.
Naked Wines fast growth is perhaps best captured by the company’s recent accolades. Only last year, it was featured in our sister awards for start-up businesses, Startups 100, as well as being awarded the prize for New Business of the Year at the 2010 Fast Growth Business Awards. Now, a year later they have received this accolade after competition from some of the fastest growing businesses in the country.
Pestonji added: “Our Angels will be delighted to hear we’ve won this award. It’s testament to their support, investment and community spirit.”
Judges' comments: Not yet three years’ old, Naked Wines has already broken the £10m turnover barrier and expects the figure to double again this year. 175,000 registered customers effectively invest in independent wine makers and reap the benefit of their diverse produce, while using the site’s community features to network with other wine lovers. Judges loved the way it breaks the mould and is executing on its growth plan.
Rowan Gormley, CEO, Naked Wines said, "It's a great honour to win this, and will really help us spread the Naked message. The honour goes to the 85 hardworking talented winemakers who have put their heart and soul into their wines, and their trust into Naked Wines"
www.nakedwines.com