UK children’s footwear brand Dubs Universe has strengthened its international growth ambitions after taking part in The Great British Pitch India, a trade initiative designed to connect export-ready British SMEs with buyers in India.
The brand, which specialises in sustainable children’s trainers, was among a group of handpicked UK small businesses invited to pitch directly to Indian buyers at the London event on 16 June. The initiative was organised by Small Business Britain and supported by the Department for Business and Trade to help SMEs unlock new export opportunities following the UK-India Free Trade Agreement.
The Great British Pitch India formed part of the wider Great British Pitch 2026 programme, which focuses on improving export confidence among UK small businesses.
Participants were offered curated buyer meetings, mentoring and specialist guidance covering legal, regulatory and cultural considerations for trading internationally. As part of the programme, Dubs heard from speakers including Amy Clarke of UK Export Finance, Paul Lindley, founder of Ella’s Kitchen, and Sanjay Aggarwal of Spice Kitchen. Businesses taking part will receive post-event support, further export training and additional matchmaking with relevant Indian companies.
Following the pitching sessions, participating businesses travelled to 11 Downing Street for a reception hosted by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves. Guests also heard from Kumaran Periasamy, the Indian High Commissioner, and HM Trade Commissioner Harjinder Kang.
For Dubs Universe, the event represented a high-profile opportunity to present its sustainable kids’ footwear proposition to an international audience. The brand designs children’s trainers around comfort, ease of wear and lower-impact materials, targeting parents and retailers looking for practical, planet-conscious footwear solutions.
Commenting is Stuart Davis, CEO and co-founder of Dubs Universe.
“The business came about thanks to my daughter Leila,” he says. “At the time, she had crazy energy levels and fast-growing feet, but her shoes kept slowing her down. Finding shoes that looked good and also fitted properly was virtually impossible and coupled with the fact I was horrified to learn about the vast numbers of shoes ending up in landfill, I decided something had to be done.
“From an idea I had on my sofa, chatting to my mate and co-founder, to a prototype, to a Kickstarter, to taking my product to one of the world’s most iconic addresses was a surreal and very proud moment.”
Reeves said the trade deal with India was “unlocking new opportunities in every corner of the country,” adding that backing small businesses to export and grow would help build “a more dynamic, more resilient economy.”
Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO and founder of Small Business Britain, says, “The UK and India Free Trade deal offers huge potential for both economies, and we know that small businesses are an incredible engine for growth too. We are delighted to be the facilitators of business connections between our two nations, and to help small businesses in all kinds of sectors to unlock the potential of export and international trade.”
The next event in The Great British Pitch calendar will focus on the US market, with UK small businesses invited to register interest for future export pitching opportunities here.