Hotter CEO Sara Prowse has been named as one of the UK’s ‘Faces of a Vibrant Economy’, a celebration of  leaders who inspire by example and show how better business can be done.

As part of Grant Thornton’s commitment to shaping a vibrant economy in the UK, each year the firm identifies and brings together 100 progressive leaders across private, public and third sectors that demonstrate excellence in two or more of the following areas:

Growth – fostering a culture of growth, job creation and leading their organisation into new markets

Innovation – solving problems, leaders whose products or services are disrupting the sector and challenging the status quo

Purpose – investing in their workforce, connecting financial profit to social purpose and contributing to the wider community

Sara Prowse commented: “It is an honour to be part of such an inspiring group of people who are committed to developing an economy that enables people, organisations and communities to flourish. We’ve been the UK’s biggest shoe maker since 2010 with 40% of total shoes made in the UK today manufactured in our factory in Skelmersdale. We work hard at Hotter to engage and develop our staff, we have a keen eye on the future of our business and we understand our success firmly rests with investment in our people and fostering a culture of growth.”

Sacha Romanovitch, CEO at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said:

“At Grant Thornton, we know that doing well by doing good makes business sense and believe that leaders embracing this ethos deserve to be championed. That’s why we launched the Faces campaign – to celebrate individuals who exemplify the Vibrant Economy movement, which aims to shape an environment where people, organisations and communities thrive.

“From jet aircraft manufacturers, farmers, local government leaders dance school principals; our Faces share the same commitment to make a positive impact. For many of these leaders, clear purpose is the North Star, helping them to navigate and make the right decisions in the longer term. Being purpose-led in this way involves a fundamental mind-set shift from ‘what I can do’, towards ‘what we collectively can do’.

“By celebrating these remarkable leaders, we recognise their role in developing a more purposeful and innovative business environment. They show us how business can be done through ‘human’ leadership which nurtures talent. They provide examples to inspire other business leaders and the next generation to shape a Vibrant Economy. They demonstrate that profits with purpose lead to sustainable business, and show us that it’s not only possible, but also necessary, to do well by doing good.”

The 2018 Faces have become part of a wider community that is now 300-strong. The community connects leaders with similar mind-sets and missions, who may otherwise never meet. It gives an opportunity to share ideas and insights, as well as learn from each other.

Sacha continues: “We firmly believe that collaboration can also enthuse and assist the next generation. It’s why we are creating links between the Faces community and our Schools Enterprise Programme, to develop financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills in support of the Key Stage 3 curriculum. We also recently piloted an event for year 12 students, working with Faces and people from our own business to challenge the way young people see their role in the community and provide inspiration about how they can start building a career that truly contributes to a shaping an economy where everyone benefits.”

Profiles of the 2018 Faces of a Vibrant Economy, are available on the campaign website.