People’s Champion finalist 2018: Rejuvenation Water

Start-up name: Rejuvenation Water
Founders: Kris Ingham
Started in: February 2016
Based in: London
Business description: Amino acid-enriched spring water

Shortlisted category:

The Start Up Loans Company Inspiring Entrepreneur of the Year

The Rejuvenation Water story:

All small businesses face their fare share of challenges on the road to success, but Kris Ingham has faced a veritable odyssey.

The former banker first had the idea for Rejuvenation Water 10 years prior to the actual launch. Seeing drinks with questionable health benefits succeed in the space, he decided the market was crying out for a shake-up.

Ingham had been working on it for five years in his spare time before a cancer scare convinced him to quit his job and start working on the venture full-time.

Rejected “time after time” by big multiples, Rejuvenation Water finally snagged a trial with John Lewis that led to a listing at Waitrose. Without a penny of investment, it managed to achieve a rate of sale that more than doubled the hurdle rate it was set.

Rejuvenation Water claims to be the world’s first amino acid-enriched spring water. Using Staffordshire spring water and natural fruit juices, each bottle contains 5 grams of plant protein and can fuel the immune system, aid protein absorption and promote healthy cognitive function.

In late 2016, the brand was brought to its knees when it was hit with two full product recalls due to faulty caps. However, thanks to a successful crowdfunding round and a healthy dose of resilience and dynamism, Rejuvenation Water has managed to weather its storms and come back stronger than ever.

Ingham remains the only full-time employee at the company allowing it to operate on a “shoestring budget”.

The products are available in Morrisons, Ocado, Holland & Barrett, Costco and Tesco as of this month, and is set to launch six new products in 2019.

Why Rejuvenation Water made our shortlist:

Produced in Manchester, this lean soft drink start-up has bounced back from near disaster to be stocked in top retailers and expand to six overseas markets.

Rejuvenation Water is a remarkable story, with an inspirational founder and a deserving finalist for The Start Up Loans Company Inspiring Entrepreneur of the Year.

Where to find out more about Rejuvenation Water:

Website: www.rejuvenationwater.co.uk
Twitter: @RejuvenationWtr