From the surf spray to the mud of an obstacle course, Kitbrix is the perfect brand for your outdoor sports needs – from race day to recreational use.
How did it all begin?
Since its inception back in 2013, Kitbrix has evolved to be one of Britain’s favourite outdoor sports luggage brand. The idea was born when our founder – unpacking at the start line of a triathlon – discovered that he had brought his wife’s wetsuit by mistake. Needless to say, his performance was a little impaired! He decided to create a brand of durable bags aimed specifically at organising your kit, to ensure that nobody need suffer the same fate.
Following on from the success of the original iconic bag, Kitbrix have developed a range of problem-solving products designed with the adventurer and outdoor sports enthusiast in mind.
Following on from the success of the original iconic bag, Kitbrix have developed a range of problem-solving products designed with the adventurer and outdoor sports enthusiast in mind.
What sets your business apart?
Organised, indestructible, your perfect companion. Our Mission is to develop practical innovative kit solutions for everyone
What is the concept behind your business or the problem you’re solving?
No soggy bottom kit. Our range of sports bags and accessories has been carefully designed to be able to withstand the harshest of treatment, the most brutal weather conditions and toughest terrain
Where to next/What is your brand vision?
We hope to reduce throwaway single-use plastic and over production. We have removed all single use plastic from our packaging replacing it with less harmful alternatives where needed. Our most recent improvement was the introduction of our industrially compostable PLA bag and will continue to look for further improvements.
Lara Morgan
Founder of
Kitbrix Limited
What do you feel passionate about/what drives you?
Health, because we cannot buy it. My engine, meaning the body I should take the time to care for through exercise. Wellbeing which starts in the head as the motivator of thinking, the driver of action and outcomes. Finally we get out of life what we put in so spreading the enterprise lessons I have learned, finding solutions so our NHS does not break and of course making time for family and friends whom I would like to leave a lasting legacy for.
Share an example of early life that has shaped you?
Early life; Dad going bankrupt and having to make my own way, nothing given on a plate, first entrepreneurial role at school selling contraband and from there I have grown by constantly pushing myself outside my comfort zone. Early competitive sports has enabled me to develop some leadership skills, including the importance of practicing them as no one is perfect.
Highlights of your business journey so far?
The people I have worked with, the lasting relationships I have made, my first and second company exit, brand licensing specialist, we have delivered goods to over 109 countries, being in a position to help others, having worked for what I have achieved and the spectacular property I have the privilege to live in as well as the choice that hard work has won.
Key lessons you have learned along the way?
If you don’t ask you don’t get, be humble, be bold be brave. Persistence combined with resilience and always aiming to be polite, these things matter when we choose not to take no for an answer.
Best piece of advice you have received?
If at first you don’t succeed try, try and try again. If you don’t ask you don’t get. If you look after the pennies the pounds will look after themselves. I could go on… some would call these old fashioned values. I would not.
Advice to an aspiring entrepreneur or woman just starting her career?
Aim higher, you have agility and a speed of decision making others cannot match. Be true to yourself, listen to you gut and your people, always remaining humble, People first builds success.
What funding route have you chosen for your business and why?
Money I have made and reinvested.
Some of the challenges you have faced and how you overcame them?
Being told no, coming up against the old boys clubs attitudes and prejudices, keep banging on doors, challenge, do the unexpected, make yourself known for the right reasons, be seen, network, if you don’t know ask and never assume. Check.
Why is it important to support women-led business?
Quite simply because we are outnumbered by men in business in most fields and diversity has proven to bring better profits which means greater business sustainability which therefore suggests greater happier journeys in delivering service. The imbalance in the way companies are funded should change for the benefit of all.
60
Seconds
with
Lara Morgan
My inspiration is...
my children and simply doing the right thing. Spreading the word to help keep the population healthy, seeing people grow in their roles and in life choices in general.
My greatest fear is...
losing the people in my life I love the most.
The most courageous thing I’ve ever done is...
learning to let go when I know I do not have the skills to deal with something, then I find the people with the right skills.
Guilty pleasure?
Jaffa Cakes, packets of them.
Mantra you live by?
If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
Female role model?
so many, but quite possibly Anita Roddick, of the Body Shop, on a personal level, my mum remains an inspiration.
Women-led brand you love?
Babour – a family brand with deep history.
Top productivity tool?
surround yourself with experts, practice every tip and trick to expedite work, always record everyone you network with, time manage like a demon and work to your cadence listening to your body and mind when you need a break. When it’s super tough, step back and work on not in the business.
