We are thrilled to announce that our founder, Emily Vermont, has been recognized as one of f:Entrepreneur’s #iAlso100, a prestigious campaign by Small Business Britain celebrating the UK’s most inspiring female entrepreneurs.

Emily’s journey to launching Indirock is a story of resilience and determination. She began building the foundation for Indirock in 2019, with plans to open its doors in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, disaster struck weeks before the lease was signed. The pandemic threw the economy into chaos, and the owners of Victoria Shopping Centre went bust. What followed were two years of delays and challenges, but Emily didn’t give up. In March 2022, Indirock finally opened its doors in its original location, becoming one of the only female-led bouldering walls in the UK.

At Indirock, we like to think we do things differently. The delays gave Emily a unique opportunity to involve the local community in shaping the vision for the space. Through focus groups, feedback, and ongoing collaboration, Indirock was designed with its community at its heart. Today, we continue to grow and improve, inspired by customer feedback gathered through surveys and a vibrant WhatsApp group of over 100 local climbers.

Together with our incredible team, she is redefining what bouldering—and Southend—can be.

Launched in 2018, the #iAlso100 campaign is now in its seventh year and celebrates the incredible range of UK female entrepreneur talent.

This recognition is not only a significant milestone for Emily and Indirock but also a testament to the vibrant community that supports us. We believe that campaigns like #iAlso100 play a crucial role in inspiring future generations of young female entrepreneurs to dream big and pursue their passions.

We hope that Emily’s achievement will motivate others in our community and beyond to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys, contributing to a more diverse and dynamic business landscape in the UK.

For more information about the #iAlso100 campaign and the selected 100 female entrepreneurs, visit f:Entrepreneur’s official website. 

Indirock is Essex’s biggest bouldering wall, offering top quality indoor rock climbing for all ages. We also have a great coffee shop!