Montirex co-founders Daniel Yuen and Kieran Riddell-Austin have received honorary doctorates from Edge Hill University.
Yuen and Riddell-Austin received honorary Doctorates of Business Administration during the university’s summer graduation ceremonies in recognition of their outstanding contribution to business, enterprise and community impact.
The best mates from Liverpool have grown Montirex into a global sportswear and lifestyle brand and have been included in BusinessCloud’s Founder 250, which recognises 250 of the UK’s best founder-led and founder-influenced businesses.
Montirex started with just three T-shirts in a family kitchen and today employs more than 100 people in Liverpool.
Montirex founders Daniel Yuen and Kieran Riddell-Austin
Yuen said: “A huge thank you to Edge Hill for this incredible honour. Our journey has been built on hard work, grit and determination, but we certainly didn’t get here alone.
“It is truly humbling to know that our story could inspire the next generation of students to follow their own dreams.”
Montirex grew from Riddell-Austin’s family kitchen and now operates from a 52,000 sq ft headquarters in Speke, Liverpool.
The founders secured exclusive retail partnerships with Footasylum, JD Sports and ASOS.
For Riddell-Austin, receiving the Edge Hill honour carries particular significance as a graduate of the university.
He said: “My time at Edge Hill University played an important role in shaping both my personal growth and entrepreneurial mindset.
“Although I ultimately chose a different path from the one I originally planned, the experience gave me the confidence, resilience and ambition to pursue my own vision.”
Professor Kurt Allman, deputy vice-chancellor of Edge Hill University, said: “Daniel and Kieran have built an extraordinary success story through innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Their journey from ambitious young entrepreneurs to leaders of one of the UK’s fastest-growing sportswear brands is truly inspiring.
“Kieran’s achievements as an Edge Hill graduate demonstrate the transformative power of education, while both Daniel and Kieran exemplify the importance of community, civic responsibility and giving back, which the university seeks to nurture.
“We are proud to recognise their exceptional accomplishments with these honorary doctorate awards.”
Montirex are big supporters of baby hospice Liverpool Zoe’s Place.
Founder 250 is sponsored by RSM UK, CG, OBI and Mercia Ventures.