Published: 29th July 2010
Written by: Nicola Collenette
Norwich-based Naked Wines has been shortlisted for the Orange Innovation Award 2010 as part of the National Business Awards.
The annual awards, described as “the UK's most prestigious business awards programme” will announce the winners in September.
Founder of Naked Wines Rowan Gormley, who previously set-up Virgin Money and Virgin Direct, launched the online business in December 2008 with a group of 12 “passionate and deranged friends”. He said the aim of Naked Wines was “turning the wine world on its head”.
The business' latest innovation, which lets wine drinkers to buy their wines in advance in return for preferential prices, offers unknown winemakers a “risk-free route to market through upfront cashflow and guaranteed sales”.
“The earlier you buy an airline ticket, the less you pay. Now our customers can do the same with wine – and pay less than they would at the cellar door,” said Gormley.
Other National Business Award finalists include Marks & Spencer, Coca Cola and The Co-op.