Meet our 2024 finalists

Faye Bryan and Simon Lane run PurplePurpleLottie, an eBay business they initially started to fund their travel adventures. They sell unique vintage items, including movie props to major film studios, and have achieved over 15,000 sales. Their business emphasises sustainability by rescuing items from house clearances. They actively contribute to the reseller community via their Instagram and YouTube channel, providing a balance of entertainment and education. They share their experiences and best practices, helping others to gain confidence in their own businesses.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/purplepurplelottie

James Beal started Jam’s eBazaar after being made redundant in 2018. Initially a part-time venture, it became his full-time occupation in 2023, allowing him to support his family. He is very conscious of his environmental impact, and tries to ensure all his packaging is recycled. James shares his eBay journey on YouTube, where he has over 18,000 subscribers. He’s found that a lot of his subscribers are navigating financial hardships, who he helps through his videos and the community around his channel.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/jamsebazaar

Nic and Andrea Hills began their eBay journey in 2001, before launching their first YouTube channel in 2014. They now have over 66,000 subscribers and 16.6 million views, and their videos promote reselling and environmental sustainability, as well as showing the day to day of an eBay seller. They host charity events and reseller meet-ups, fostering a community committed to recycling and repurposing items. They have also developed a map-based app which shares local thrifting events and locations, further supporting the circular economy.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/thehillsarealive

Founded by Andy Bowden, Tommystrezures has been catering to philatelists for 9 years on eBay. The business was born from a passion for stamps, but its growth has been driven by Andy and the team’s commitment to providing the best possible service to customers. Even more impressive is Andy’s ability to juggle the running of his business with his commitment to the eBay Community, where he gives back to the community by serving as an eBay Mentor. Over the past year, Andy has supported other buyers and sellers with answers to questions on the member to member boards, as well as providing support to the eBay Community Managers and the thousands of users that visit the boards everyday.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/sedberghstamps

George Ross turned his passion for vintage toys into a thriving eBay business, Retro Recycling. Starting with his own collection, he now supports his family through eBay sales. George shares his knowledge through YouTube, helping others start their reselling journeys and teaching them how to monetise their business. His YouTube channel has fostered a community of like-minded collectors and resellers, who are all learning to support themselves as independent business owners.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/wallysshedshop

Andrew Nolan, founder of the Money Mental Reselling Group, uses his eBay journey to promote mental health awareness and support resellers. After overcoming significant personal debt, Andrew started sharing his experiences online, creating a YouTube channel and a Facebook group, which together have over 5,000 subscribers and members. He has mentored a variety of people as they start their eBay businesses, and hosted meet-ups to foster camaraderie among sellers. The award would allow him to help hire a part-time employee and buy new equipment, to produce better content and support even more sellers.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/moneymentalclothesandcurios

Neil Masey transitioned from a financial services career to running maseytoys, specialising in Matchbox Toys. His eBay Shop has been operational for nearly 20 years, achieving-record breaking prices for rare items and regularly featuring at the top of Matchbox Toy worldwide listings. Neil's expertise has led him to write monthly columns for toy magazines, appear on TV documentaries and write a book on Matchbox Toys. He is proud of his green credentials: maseytoys is net carbon neutral, only uses recycled packaging, and pays a living wage. They also use every eBay tool available to them to constantly improve on what they do, making him a true eBay pioneer.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/maseytoys

Joshua James, a former bricklayer, started his eBay business in 2014 to support his growing family. Specialising in preloved clothing, Joshua leveraged eBay’s innovative tools like the Seller Hub and its marketing features to expand his business significantly. Participation in the Pro-Trader program was pivotal, enhancing his listing quality and sales strategies. He also has made great use of the buyer groups, which have been brilliant for the growth of his businesses. When he was on the Pro-Trader programme, one of his suggestions was taken on board, which has made him truly feel like an ambassador and partner in eBay.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/jjclearance

Deniz Akdos started her eBay journey in 2002, initially selling baby clothes while studying fashion design. Due to supplier challenges, she expanded into selling traditional Turkish crafts, to much success. They subsequently created the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul and became one of the largest Turkish stores on eBay. After relocating to the UK after PayPal ceased operations in Turkey, Deniz continued to grow her business, showcasing Turkish heritage through sustainable products. Her 16-year journey on eBay exemplifies resilience and innovation - if she were to win the eBay Pioneer Award, she would aim to expand her business to invest in new materials, collaborate with artisans, and explore innovative production methods.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/grandbazaarofistanbul

Daniel Holland turned his passion for vintage Japanese Pokémon cards into a successful eBay business, ikimonostore. Starting as 'thecardcenter,' he rebranded and focused on high-demand collectible cards, achieving record sales. Juggling night shifts with his eBay business, Daniel eventually went full-time in 2017. With over 77,000 sales and 100% positive feedback, Daniel is committed to excellence and innovation. Winning an award would help him expand the reach of his business, with the likes of paid ad campaigns on social media to reach and inspire a new generation of collectors.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/ikimonostore

Lindsay Hayman transitioned from engineering to eBay selling to support her child with additional needs. Starting with reselling branded jewellery, she leveraged her design skills to create a unique jewellery brand. Lindsay’s resilience and adaptability, combined with a focus on community support, have earned her recognition in the #iAlso100 list for F:Entrepreneur. She prioritises customer satisfaction, building trust and loyalty, sharing support and advice with other sellers through community forums. With over 21 years on eBay, Lindsay would love to win the eBay Pioneer Award to honour her journey and continue her business growth and advocacy for eBay's jewellery sector.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/ojewellery

Adam Frost founded Online Motor Store (OMS) in 2013, specialising in automotive parts. Starting with six products, Adam grew OMS into a successful business with 1,100 products and 100% positive feedback. His commitment to customer service and innovation has driven OMS’s growth, making Adam a pioneer in the eBay automotive market. Adam’s entrepreneurial journey and dedication to excellence make OMS an excellent candidate for the Above and Beyond Award.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/onlinemotorstore

Iain Mackinnon left his office job to start Bundles of Books. Starting with an initial £80, Iain turned that into £20,000 of stock in under a year. After developing his business model and narrowing down to focus on his true love - books - he forged partnerships with local charities to source inventory. Not only has it helped his business boom, but he’s helping charities as he does it. As well as networking and building relationships with his local community, Iain shares his business journey on YouTube to 1,500 subscribers, keeping them updated on his progress and encouraging others to enter the reselling market.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/rancidgonzo

Thomas Peter Anderson-Tooth started Tommy Trades when he transitioned from a stressful job to becoming a full-time eBay seller in January 2024. Initially selling personal items, he expanded to sourcing from charity shops and antique markets. Although this has been one of the most challenging tasks of Thomas’ life, it’s also been the most rewarding! Scaling his business has not only meant he’s been able to provide for his family, but he’s been able to innovate new sustainable commerce models. Customer service is of utmost importance to him, and he will do anything possible to accommodate them. In only six months, Thomas has generated £10,000 in sales revenue - his plans include expanding into house clearances and employing his fiancée part-time.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/tommytrades

Anil Qasemi underwent a challenging journey from successful entrepreneur in Afghanistan to a refugee in the UK. This led to the creation of Hatopia. With support from The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network (TERN) and eBay, Anil and his wife manage the business, achieving top-rated seller status and 100% positive feedback. The business, managed by both Anil and his wife, is thriving, selling products in over 26 countries and seeing Anil speak at two high-profile events. They care deeply about making a difference, donating hats to over 90 charities, working with women artists in rural afghanistan, and committing to eco-friendly practices to maximise their sustainability.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/hatopia

Ed and Pete’s Manchester Ball Boys started in early 2023, turning a passion for golf into a business selling used golf balls. Sourcing from golf courses and promoting sustainability, the business grew to average daily sales of 2,500 balls. With eco-friendly packaging and a commitment to community engagement, Manchester Ball Boys supports local golf courses and promotes environmental consciousness. Their impressive growth has seen them shortlisted for Start-Up of the Year award in the British Business Awards - a moment of immense pride for the whole team - and they hope to follow this up with an eBay for Business Award!

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/manchesterballboys

Olma Edeki relaunched Patricia Anne Preloved in April 2023 after overcoming personal challenges and an ADHD diagnosis. Her eBay business focuses on preloved items, supported by the Start-Up Scale-Up programme which has helped her business to thrive. Olma’s involvement in the eBay community and partnerships with local charities highlight her commitment to sustainability and community support. Her entrepreneurial spirit and determination mean that her story is not just one of business success, but also of resilience, self-discovery, inspiration - she hopes her story will inspire others to do the same!

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/patriciaannepreloved

Cherry Grove Craft is more than just a business, it’s a dream realised by its founders, Pete Harrison and Suzanne Biddle. Started in 2023, Pete and Suzanne have poured their hearts into the personalised wooden signs and bespoke gifts they design and create, blending traditional craftsmanship with sustainable practices. Since launching the business, eBay has helped Cherry Grove Craft to reach a wider audience and build a loyal customer base. Despite facing many challenges, the business has seen continued growth and winning this award will help Pete and Suzanne to invest in better tools, expand their product range, and take the business to the next level.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/cherrygrovecraft

Joe Cemlyn-Jones started JCJ BRICKS to fund his gymnastics career, turning a hobby of selling LEGO into a successful business. With his business seeing significant growth, Joe is looking at scaling up his workforce to meet increasing demands. JCJ BRICKS is focused on customer satisfaction and sustainable packaging and Joe’s business model of recycling LEGO aligns with his environmental values. His dedication to improving customer experience and his innovative approach to e-commerce has driven his business to commendable heights.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/jcjlego

Sylwester Gruszka’s Stock Union, an eBay Shop selling second-hand products, has achieved remarkable success in just two years. With 5,000 sales, 100% positive feedback, and a strong social media following, Stock Union has placed quality and customer satisfaction at the forefront of what they do. Sylwester’s attention to detail and commitment to eco-friendly practices underpins Stock Union’s dedication to excellence and community engagement.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/stockunion

George Phillips founded Phillips Hobbies at 13, turning a passion for model cars into a successful eBay business. Now 21, George runs the business full-time, maintaining 100% positive feedback and achieving significant growth. With a focus on exceptional customer service and continuous improvement, George’s entrepreneurial journey exemplifies dedication and innovation. As George’s business continues to grow, he is seeking to widen his range of stock to meet the increasing demands. His commitment to his customers and plans for expansion make Phillips Hobbies a thriving business.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/phillipshobbies

Laura-Louise Winterbourne’s The Giftie Company, based in Somerset, specialises in handcrafted gifts, stationery, and homeware. Despite battling disabilities, Laura-Louise turned a hobby into a thriving business, prioritising customer satisfaction and mental health awareness. Her commitment to exceptional service and unique product offerings has garnered much positive feedback from her loyal customer base. Laura-Louise’s resilience and dedication make The Giftie Company a highly-regarded business.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/thegiftiecompany

Chaps IT Recycling LTD was launched by Dominic Chappell in 2020. The business was founded on the principles of driving e-waste reduction, meeting the rising demand for reliable refurbished technology and above all, delivering exceptional customer service. Dominic prides himself on providing a brilliant service, ensuring that all items are shipped promptly and reach our customers on time. The dedicated customer support team is always ready to respond to inquiries and resolve any issues in a timely manner, ensuring a seamless shopping experience, making Chaps IT Recycling LTD a great candidate for the Above & Beyond Award.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/citruk

Before starting his business, Ben Richardson was working part-time as a customer service advisor in a bank. However, Ben wanted to do more to satisfy his ambitions and achieve his dreams, which ultimately led to the launch of Toolz 4 You Ltd. Since then, he hasn’t looked back, with the growth of the business fuelled by a commitment to exceptional customer service through personalised support, tailored advice and solutions for each customer’s unique needs. This includes actively seeking feedback to continuously improve services and always going the extra mile by exceeding expectations with expedited shipments and sourcing rare tools. This unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction makes Toolz 4 You a standout candidate for the Above & Beyond Award.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/toolz4youltd

Barbara Hamilton’s The Edinburgh Remakery started as a small community group offering free repairs and has grown into a successful social enterprise. Focusing on refurbishing and reselling electronics, the business supports environmental sustainability and digital inclusion. With a strong presence on eBay and participation in the Refurbishment and Pro-Trader programmes, The Edinburgh Remakery has expanded its impact, providing thousands of devices to individuals in need. Barbara’s commitment to community support and environmental consciousness has helped capture the imagination of many customers.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/theedinburghremakery

Sam Moffat runs Off The Wall Clocks, a business specialising in refurbishing old clocks and using discarded materials to create new ones. With a focus on sustainability and reducing landfill waste, Sam’s innovative approach has gained recognition, including a case study by Formica UK. His commitment to upcycling and environmental consciousness has allowed his business to become a leading example on sustainable practices and reusing materials.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/offthewallclocks

Alexander Rose founded CartridgeBuyBack Ltd in 2023, a social enterprise focused on reducing waste and supporting criminal justice charities. By reselling unused printer cartridges on eBay, Alexander’s business has generated significant revenue and donations for charities aiding people leaving prison. With a commitment to social impact and sustainability, CartridgeBuyBack exemplifies the power of entrepreneurship for positive change. Alexander’s innovative approach and dedication make CartridgeBuyBack a deserving candidate for the Social Impact Award.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/cartridgebuybacksocialenterprise

Andy Redfern’s Green Heart Collective, based in Gateshead, rescues preloved clothing and other items, selling them on eBay to support community initiatives. The social enterprise promotes sustainability and provides opportunities for disadvantaged individuals, including refugees and neurodiverse young people. With a focus on reducing landfill waste and supporting local projects, Green Heart Collective’s impact extends beyond commerce. Andy’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility has led to Green Heart Collective becoming a successful business.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/greenheartcollective

Tom Letcher founded Freedom Fire UK, where he started selling refurbished fire extinguishers. After realising the demand for such an essential item, Tom scaled up an eBay business, selling both refurbished and brand-new fire safety products. Committed to sustainability, Tom’s business provides opportunities for individuals with additional needs, partnering with a special needs college. Freedom Fire’s mission includes recycling old fire extinguishers and advocating for neurodiverse employment. Tom’s dedication to creating a more inclusive and sustainable business makes Freedom Fire UK the thriving business it is today.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/freedomfireuk

Bethany Craig’s Kinder Handl Shop is a community-driven initiative supporting local organisations through funds raised from selling second-hand donations. By promoting a circular economy and reducing landfill waste, Kinder Handl Shop makes a significant environmental impact. Bethany’s commitment to supporting her community and fostering sustainability exemplifies the values of the Social Impact Award, celebrating businesses that create positive change through innovative strategies.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/kinderhandlshop

Michelle O’Beirne turned her hobby of making handmade jewellery into a successful eBay business, Fox Black. Transitioning to reselling deadstock fashion, Michelle’s business thrived during the pandemic, allowing her to leave her job and focus on eBay full-time. With continuous growth and a commitment to improving business processes, Michelle aims to expand her listings and stock. Her journey from a bedroom hobby to a commercial unit showcases significant business growth.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/shell20000

James Hedington founded Century Carbon in 2020, creating carbon fibre motorcycle parts. Following redundancy, James turned his hobby into a business, gaining recognition in the motorcycle community. Seeking to improve his production methods, James aims to invest in industrial equipment to expand his product range. His dedication to innovation and quality makes Century Carbon an excellent candidate for the Business Growth Award, celebrating his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/centurycarbon

Wael Haddad’s family-run business, Software Hardware, has grown from a humble start in 2011 to an eBay Top Rated Seller with 99.9% positive feedback. Specialising in tech products, the business is committed to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Wael’s vision for sustainability includes initiating a recycled tech program. His dedication to continuous improvement and exceptional service has made Software Hardware a thriving business.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/softwarehardware

Daniel Duddy transitioned from a career in paediatrics to founding Gentry GMT, a business specialising in luxury watches and jewellery. Starting with a vintage OMEGA watch, Daniel’s business has grown to over £500,000 in annual sales. His passion for watches and commitment to quality have driven continuous growth, making Gentry GMT an excellent contender for the Business Growth Award. Daniel’s entrepreneurial journey highlights his dedication to excellence and innovation in the luxury market.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/gentrygmt

Emma Schogger founded Labels 4 Everything to create durable, dishwasher-proof name stickers for her son's school items. Identifying a gap in the market, she and her husband spent a year finding the right materials before launching on eBay. They quickly expanded into personalised stickers for various occasions, now processing over 100 orders daily with 4,500 product variations. Emma’s commitment to quality and exceptional customer service sets them apart. Highlights include personalised champagne flutes for events and hand-delivering urgent orders. Balancing business with family life, Emma’s dedication fuels the success of her business.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/labels4

Julian Zebisch moved to England with no savings or work experience. His passion for trading card game, ‘Magic: The Gathering’, led him to trade and sell cards on eBay, turning a hobby into a thriving business. With support from his boyfriend, Jacob, he has transformed an initial small venture into Green Gecko Gaming, now among the top 10 eBay sellers for trading card singles with a six-figure annual turnover. Growing at 30% annually, Julian manages the business solo, providing cards to hobbyists nationwide. Julian is looking to invest in streamlining operations as well as expanding product offerings, furthering his business success.

Visit their shop here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/greengeckogaming