Sustainable style

George Bailey, a recipient of a UEA Enterprise Fund grant, discusses Coral Eyewear’s impact.

Coral Eyewear is proving that great design and sustainability can go hand in hand, creating stylish glasses and sunglasses from recycled and bio-based materials, and helping partners make the switch too. We caught up with founder George Bailey (ECO12) to hear how the UEA Enterprise Fund helped bring Coral to market, and what’s next.

What need does Coral Eyewear meet?

Coral Eyewear crafts stylish eyewear using recycled materials. Over half of the UK population have a prescription for their vision, and we’re keen to make sustainable glasses and sunglasses available to as much of the population as possible. We’ve collaborated with brands across sport, fashion and travel retail to create designs that suit individual passions.

When we spoke in 2020, you were readying for launch. How has Coral Eyewear grown since then?

Our glasses and sunglasses are now stocked in hundreds of opticians across the UK, and we’ve launched a store on board Virgin Voyages cruises. We’ve collaborated with various international sports teams and are the official eyewear supplier to the Great Britain Cycling Team.

What impact is Coral Eyewear making?

We provide high-quality products for tens of thousands of people every year with recycled and bio-based materials. We’ve been approached to create sunglasses with recycled materials for the likes of Umbro, so we’re supporting major brands in making that switch.

How did the funding you received help your business?

The funds supported early research and development and got our first product to market. UEA backing our business through one of the most challenging business environments in history, the Covid pandemic, shows they’re genuinely committed to giving students and graduates the support we need.

“Whilst your donation might be to the Enterprise Fund, the businesses the Fund is able to support create impact globally.”

George Bailey (ECO12), Founder of Coral Eyewear

What’s next for Coral Eyewear?

Coral Eyewear has some big collaborations coming this year, partnering with some of the UK’s biggest fashion brands. We’ll also be building on our licensing programme, and we’ve recently launched a children’s collection of glasses with Paddington.

How can a UEA entrepreneur make the most of the Enterprise Team and Enterprise Fund support?

Engage with the student Enterprise Team as early as possible. Even if you just have an idea, they’ll support you in shaping the foundations of your business and introduce you to advisors across product, finance, design and industry-specific mentors.

What would you say to donors who support the Enterprise Fund?

Thank you. Whilst your donation might be to the Enterprise Fund, the businesses the Fund is able to support create impact globally.

Visit our website to find out more about how your support helps UEA entrepreneurs turn ideas into impact.