None of this would have been possible without the support of the Development Bank of Wales and the Merthyr Tydfil Enterprise Centre. Starting your own business isn’t easy but they really have pulled out all the stops to make sure we’re up and running with the best possible start.
Paul Thomas, Director, Sole Mate
Business overview
Sole Mate is a specialist independent running store. Set up in March 2023, the award-winning business is based on Pontmorlais high street in Merthyr Tydfil.
Founder
Paul Thomas - As well as running his own business, Paul is currently the run leader for the Social Run Group that runs from the store every Tuesday. He is also a keen runner himself covering distances up-to and above marathon distance.
Business purpose
Sole Mate offers specialised products for the running and athletic sector including footwear for road and trail, clothing, equipment and accessories. Support for runners who are flat footed, have weak ankles or suffer from Plantar Fasciitis is also available.
Sole Mate was named as the winning independent sports retailer at the 2024 Welsh Independent Retail Awards, and has also been nominated in the UK Startup Awards within the Retail and Ecommerce category for 2025.
The business was started to give as many people as possible the opportunity to reap the benefits on their physical and mental health, that being active, and running provides.
In keeping with the tone of the shop and through being a part of several running clubs, Paul advertises a ‘Walk and Talk’, ‘Run with Me’ and “Couch to 5k” offerings to customers. This is where people who need company or would like to meet with other people suffering with Mental Health can all get together.
Sole Mate also has a community fund where money is kindly donated by customers at the till, but also money raised by customers doing crazy challenges. These funds have been used to fund mental health therapy sessions, fund schemes like “Trail School” to get more people into nature, and also help clothe children in need.
Funding
Paul Thomas was able to warm up for a second successful year in business with the help of two separate micro loans from the Development Bank of Wales.
An initial loan of £50,000 from the Development Bank helped fund the fit-out and purchase of initial stock. A second investment of £25,000 was then used to expand the floor space with a wider range of stock, including Adidas.
What people are saying
I worked in IT for 20 years, during which time running and being active was a saviour for my mental health. I now want to help as many people as possible to reap the same benefits by removing barriers to running. That’s why we don’t just sell trainers and clothing; we give advice on all aspects of training and kit.
We also run our own social running club, and we have a Community Fund that raises funds to help people on their running journey with coaching and therapy when needed.
“But none of this would have been possible without the support of the Development Bank of Wales and the Merthyr Tydfil Enterprise Centre. Starting your own business isn’t easy but they really have pulled out all the stops to make sure we’re up and running with the best possible start. I can’t thank them enough.
Paul Thomas, Director, Sole Mate
Paul has turned his love of running into a successful business that is supporting people of all ages to enjoy a happier and healthier lifestyle. It’s great to see the positive impact that he is having in the local community.
Aled Robertson, Portfolio Executive, Development Bank of Wales
