On being announced as the winning team, the judges said that the First Rings First team had ‘overcome challenges’ and delivered a ‘complete and professional customer journey’, putting together a ‘great business report’ documenting their journey so far.

Regarding the win, Sofia said that it was an ‘exciting achievement’ although ‘not a wholly smooth one.’

She said;

The COVID pandemic seriously compromised our in person sales and led to higher costs in our supply chain as we were unable to source silver cutlery in person and cut out middleman courier costs. Lockdown also stripped us of the school DT facility however, through perseverance and ingenuity we have been able maintain a slower production line and optimistic sales. Motivation has also been a hurdle, for example the finance team has been worn down to one member, Ines Farah, who has worked very hard to collect data and coordinate with or HSBC bank account. Nonetheless, unlike other teams we have not had to fire anyone and we’re more than happy to reallocate people to the production team.

Well done to all of the First Rings First team, we look forward to seeing your business grow further.

Follow them on Instagram: @first.rings.first