We’re absolutely delighted (and if we’re honest, a little bit surprised) to share that Sipfull of Design has been named a regional finalist in the UK StartUp Awards 2026.
We’ve been shortlisted in the Retail & E-Commerce StartUp of the Year category — alongside some incredible businesses.
It’s one of those moments that makes you pause slightly and reflect on how far things have come.
From the Workshop
Not that long ago, this all started with a simple idea — creating mugs that people would actually use, not just stick in a cupboard.
Every single one is still hand-pressed here in Sussex, often with the radio on, the kettle nearby, and a growing pile of mugs waiting to be packed.
There’s no big production line. No warehouse full of stock. Just a small setup, a lot of trial and error, and a genuine focus on getting things right.
What This Means to Us
Being recognised at this level means a huge amount — not just because of the award itself, but because of what it represents.
It’s a reminder that doing things properly, taking pride in what you make, and focusing on customers really does matter.
And that even a small business, built steadily over time, can stand alongside some genuinely impressive companies.
Thank You
More than anything, this feels like something we’ve built together.
Every order placed, every kind message, every share or recommendation — it all adds up.
So whether you’ve bought one mug or many, supported us from the start, or only just found us recently… thank you. It genuinely means a lot.
Explore what we’ve been making
If you’ve recently discovered us, you can browse our range of handmade mugs — all designed to be used every day.
What Happens Next
The next step is the regional final, with the chance to go through to the national awards later this year.
Whatever happens, we’re incredibly proud to have got this far — and very excited to see what comes next.
We’ll keep you posted.