The Kindr Company founder Kate Thompson takes on Head of Social and Content at online toy retailer PoundFun

UK online toy retailer PoundFun has appointed Kate Thompson as Head of Social & Content.

Thompson previously founded The Kindr Company, a specialist in alcohol free sanitiser.

"With a wealth of knowledge and experience in marketing and business, Kate joins us full time as our Head of Social & Content," says Rob Owlett, Founder at PoundFun. "This announcement has been two years in the making and I am unbelievably excited that we have managed to add Kate to the team."

"Having worked with Rob on various projects over past few years, including his invaluable help with The Kindr Company, I’m delighted to have finally joined the team at PoundFun full time. I’m excited to immerse myself into the world of toys, games, gifts, sweets and so much more coming soon," Thompson comments.

The appointment follows on from the launch of a £2 million investment round, which aims to fuel expansion, create over 200 jobs in Keighley, and position the business for a projected £60 million valuation by 2027. 

The company was created to provide affordable high quality toys from trusted brands amid rising costs. Offering over 800 items at £1 or less, including ranges from LEGO, Barbie, Marvel, and Disney, PoundFun has shipped more than 143,000 orders since launching in July 2023. It has grown to £3.9 million in sales, with no outside capital and a 32.18% repeat customer rate. 

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Online retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.