Women in Innovation Success Stories: Katherine Drury, Sustainable Rope

As the effects of the climate crisis continue to be felt across the world, businesses must do everything they can to meet sustainability targets. With over thirty years in the agricultural industry, Kate Drury has seen these effects in real time. So, after completing a Masters in Sustainable Agriculture, Kate explored her passion for wool and soon began to see the power of the biogenic resource in solving some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Enter Sustainable Rope – a natural fibre alternative to plastic ropes used in the aquaculture and mariculture industries. On a mission to reduce microplastic pollution in our waterways, Kate is set on encouraging big industries to adapt to her sustainable rope solution.

When she joined the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards, Kate had been trading for a year to a loyal customer base – but she was yet to break into the commercial market.

Finding the right support

When you’re building a business from the ground up, finding collaborators, team members and investors that align with your vision can be challenging. As a woman in the innovation ecosystem, these challenges are often magnified.

“I don’t have a sharp-edged character, so was seen as weak by businessmen. But they now see me as an equal,” Kate recalled.

“I’m now seen as a business owner and have the credibility of running my own company as a woman. Before Women in Innovation, I was approached by bigger, male-owned companies who told me I wouldn’t make it without them.”

Stepping out of your comfort zone and finding the right people to work with can feel daunting, but Kate’s experience, education and support from the programme helped her enterprise to flourish.

“The financial support from Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards was life changing. I was able to grow my business and keep control. I was so lucky to be given two Innovate UK Business Growth advisors that were so easy to talk to. They gave just the right amount of support,” she explained.

Making it count

Whether you’re looking for financial support, networking opportunities or an expert eye, applying for the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards could be the catalyst to turning your idea into a tangible product.

The key is to accept that whilst starting a business is never straightforward, it’s an exciting journey unique to every innovator. Coming together to share experiences and receive guidance on next steps is a great way to ensure you make every stage of the business journey count.

As one of fifty women who won a Women in Innovation Award, Kate knew she needed to harness the opportunity to work with peers and professionals in a highly supportive setting:

“There is no right way to develop a business, so you’ve got to enjoy the journey along with the many bumps in the road that there are to tackle.

“The beauty of the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards is that you retain autonomy in a supportive arena, so you don’t have to worry about other people’s agendas. You’re given the space and time to grow your product and business at a speed that works for you, whilst also having the time to step back and decide if the company is going in the right direction,” she explained.

Kate and the team are now working with commercial companies and co-developing R&D for extensive use of British Wool.

Read more success stories from the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards.