• 10.06.25

From Frustration to Function: How a Local Couple Redefined Inclusive Activewear

When Milton Keynes-based couple Laurence and Nneka founded Incl.usiveinc, they weren’t chasing trends — they were answering a deeply personal call for change. What started as one woman’s frustration with gym wear that didn’t fit, function, or flatter, became a mission-driven brand now gaining local and national momentum. Today, Incl.usiveinc has a flagship retail presence at Unity Place, the dynamic new heart of the community, where retail meets innovation, inclusion, and enterprise.

Purpose-Driven Performance Wear

Incl.usiveinc is more than an activewear brand — it’s a social statement. Born from the lived experiences of its co-founder, the brand set out to solve real problems with real solutions: high-waisted leggings that stay up, sports bras that actually support, and a size-inclusive range that empowers people of all shapes and sizes to move confidently.

Starting with a women’s line, the brand quickly expanded to include men’s pieces designed with the same commitment to comfort, quality, and inclusive design. With future ambitions for children's wear and community-focused initiatives, Incl.usiveinc isn’t just a clothing line — it’s a movement.

Building a Business — One Pocket at a Time

Incl.usiveinc began with a few samples, a homemade website, and a dream fueled by weekend market research and late-night branding sessions. Laurence brought his finance expertise, while Nneka led procurement, customer experience, and design. Every decision was intentional, from the brand name — a nod to inclusivity and innovation — to product features, like deep pockets and fabric that doesn’t go sheer during squats.

What truly sets Incl.usiveinc apart is its grassroots approach: handing out flyers in the city centre, conducting local pop-ups, and even hand-delivering orders within a 15-mile radius to ensure perfect fit and personal service. Their approach has earned them a loyal community of customers and collaborators — including models and creatives from across the globe, united by a shared belief in the brand’s inclusive ethos.

Anchored at Unity Place

Opening their flagship store at Unity Place in Milton Keynes was a bold leap — and a natural next step. The retail space at Unity Place offers Incl.usiveinc not just a storefront, but a platform. As part of a dynamic ecosystem of retail, co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and dining, the store is a daily intersection of commerce, community, and connection.

Thanks to the support from the internal community, Incl.usiveinc now thrives within Unity Place’s forward-thinking environment. It’s not just a location — it’s a launchpad for growth, collaboration, and community outreach.

Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead

The road hasn’t been without its bumps. Their first professional photoshoot in London, while glamorous, proved too costly and unsustainable. The founders now favour local shoots with local talent — a more authentic, community-centric approach that aligns with their values. They’ve learned the importance of brand storytelling, staying agile, and not overextending too soon.

With hopes of reaching profitability this or next year, Incl.usiveinc is committed to donating 10% of net profits to local causes, from food banks to grassroots charities in Milton Keynes. It's a promise to grow not just in size, but in impact.

A Model for Modern Business

Incl.usiveinc is a shining example of what happens when purpose meets persistence. It’s a testament to how local enterprise, when nurtured in spaces like Unity Place, can uplift communities, redefine industries, and inspire change.

Whether you walk into their shop for leggings that finally fit, or attend a Unity Place event that sparks a new idea, Incl.usiveinc’s message rings clear: inclusion isn’t a feature. It’s the foundation.

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