A mum from Worcestershire has reached the final of a prestigious awards for her gym wear business just 12 months after officially opening. 

Activewear brand PADA, which was created by Hannah Burton after lockdown, has secured a finalist spot in the UK's largest women in business award. 

The business has been recognised in the New Business category at the EVA Awards for its "dedication to revolutionising the fitness apparel industry". 

The brand created the first yoga leggings with integrated knee pads in the UK with its products being focused on style, comfort and protection. 

The brand has reached the final of a top award The brand has reached the final of a top award (Image: PADA) Founder Hannah Burton said: "We're the first in the UK to focus on knee protection through built-in knee pads in all our leggings and our goal is to make fitness accessible and enjoyable for everyone."

Ms Burton launched the brand after struggling with post-natal depression during lockdown. 

The yoga teacher and fitness enthusiast was eager to return to her practice, but found joint discomfort caused by body changes post-pregnancy to be a major barrier. 

The brand is set to rival other leading gym businesses in Worcestershire The brand is set to rival other leading gym businesses in Worcestershire (Image: PADA) This led her to create PADA, which has evolved from an idea to stitch bra pads into leggings into a standout activewear brand supporting fitness lovers across the UK. 

Ms Burton added: "From a personal need to becoming a finalist in these prestigious awards has been an incredible journey. 

"Our leggings offer more than just aesthetic appeal; they prioritise the health and comfort of our customers in a way that hasn’t been seen before in the industry."

The leggings blend style and comfort for fitness enthusiasts The leggings blend style and comfort for fitness enthusiasts (Image: PADA) Alongside its innovative design, PADA has earned consistent five-star ratings from customers, who praise the brand’s quality and attention to detail.

With this strong momentum, PADA is ready to challenge industry leaders like Worcestershire’s Ben Francis of Gymshark.

To celebrate this exciting milestone, PADA is inviting fitness enthusiasts to experience the difference first hand.

To find out more visit www.padatribe.com and use the code HELLO20 for 20 per cent off your first purchase.