KindCosmetics wins Invictus Business Challenge 2021

News
08/04/2021


Students from University of Bath School of Management celebrate victory in competition spearheaded by ICAEW.

KindCosmetics, and its product TanKindly, beat stiff competition from fellow students at the University, to win the Invictus Business Challenge 2021, after presenting the idea to a panel of judges made up of ICAEW Chartered Accountants based in the region.

The competition required each entrant to demonstrate a business concept with the potential to become a sustainable commercial enterprise. The winner, KindCosmetics, is driven by the desire to reduce the environmental impact of the cosmetics industry.

The Invictus Business Challenge 2021 was organised by Gino Zabeo, ICAEW member and Commercial Director of Vistra, in collaboration with the University of Bath School of Management and colleagues from ICAEW West of England.

Gino commented:

“I am personally pleased and proud of the outcome of the Invictus Business Challenge 2021. We wanted to inspire young people to realise their ambitions, develop business ideas and ultimately thrive through these testing times.

“I was impressed by the quality of the submissions and the confidence displayed by the students during the online presentations, who I hope will continue to pursue their business plans. As members of ICAEW, we will continue to support them, by sharing our technical expertise in support of the economy.”


KindCosmetics is the vision of University of Bath School of Management students and entrepreneurs Thea Stanton Skovhus and Johanna Vogt. Their goal is to make the cosmetic industry more environmentally friendly and minimise the use of plastic packaging. KindCosmetics’ product, TanKindly, is a sustainable alternative to self-tan, which is also customisable to the users’ preference, to promote inclusivity and diversity.

Thea Stanton Skovhus, co-founder of KindCosmetics, said:

“As young entrepreneurs, to gain constructive feedback, encouragement and support from experienced and senior members of ICAEW was a real privilege. Also, the event helped us expand our network as we had the opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs and engage with members of the business community in the region.”

“Winning the Invictus Business Challenge was an extremely proud milestone for KindCosmetics and something we will never forget. To have our work recognised by leading experts was monumental and the guidance given will support our business journey in the future.

“This process is invaluable to entrepreneurs seeking to elevate their idea to the next level and gain insight from professionals.”


Co-organised by the University of Bath School of Management, the competition was open to all of its students.

The other finalists of the Invictus Business Challenge 2021 were:

  • Green Garms - An online platform based around the concept of ‘Thrift Flipping’ clothes
  • Hesita - An online platform to buy and sell homes
  • Play Away, Stay Away (PASA) - organising accommodation for travelling sports fans by connecting away supporters with like-minded, local hosts


The Invictus Business Challenge 2021 panellists were:

  • Rick Sturge – CFO / Grafton LSR Ltd (Bloodhound land speed record project)
  • Tean Dallaway – FD, Airsprung Group Plc
  • Michael Cordell – CFO, Karadoo Finance
  • Clare Beazley – Angel Investor – Mentor, SETsquared Bristol
  • Barnaby Hodgson – Investment Manager, Nova Capital Management