UK exporter wins Black British Business Award

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 13 November 2020

Sandra Murphy, Founder and Managing Director of Lincolnshire-based Equidiet UK Ltd, has won a Black British Business Award, after successfully growing her revolutionary equine nutrition business into a global brand.    

On 30 October 2020, the Black British Business Awards announced its 2020 winners in a virtual ceremony, in which Sandra Murphy won the Consumer & Luxury Senior Leader category.   

 With over 50 years of experience in the equine industry, Sandra spotted a gap in the market for a natural fibre liquid feed that nourishes and hydrates horses. Seeking to gain the scientific knowledge to bring this product to life, she decided to undertake an Equine Sports Science degree in 2010 at the University of Lincoln.   

In 2014, Sandra founded Equidiet UK Ltd and launched Equidgel, the company’s first liquid feed. Sandra has since worked tirelessly to expand her brand both in the UK and internationally with support from the Department for International Trade.  

In November 2018, Sandra secured a European Patent, making her the ninth Black woman to be granted a patent in the UK. Sandra is now looking to replicate this success by securing a US Patent.   

Sandra Murphy, Founder and Managing Director of Equidiet UK Ltd, said:    

''I'm so excited and humbled to have won the Black British Business Award for Senior Leader 2020, especially during these unprecedented times.  

“I hope to use this platform to become a role model not only for Black equestrians within the equine industry but also for Black women and businesses in general. I want to encourage and inspire people to believe they can be successful with a good idea and the right support.  

“The Department for International Trade has and continues to play a key role in our overseas success, providing market-entry advice and helping the business to expand and build its reputation in the UK and overseas.” 

The Department for International Trade (DIT) has supported Equidiet UK Ltd for over five years and DIT officials around the world have introduced the company to a wide range of contacts.   

 Thanks to DIT support, Equidiet UK Ltd now exports to 11 countries, with aspirations to enter several new markets in 2021, including the US and Australia.   With a new Hi-Drate product that instantly relieves the effects of dehydration in horses, ponies and other animals, Equidiet UK Ltd could play a crucial role in helping animals in areas affected by bushfires and extreme temperatures.

Ian Harrison, DIT’s Head of Exports in The Midlands, said:  

“It is fantastic news that Equidiet UK Ltd has won a 2020 Black British Business Award.  

“Success stories such as these illustrate just how beneficial trading internationally can be to local businesses. I hope it will empower other Midlands businesses to grow through exporting and realise their overseas potential.”

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