From Lockdown Dream to Luxury Trainer Empire: The Story of KleanKicksUK at Flexspace Leeds
When Covid brought the world to a standstill, many people paused their ambitions. Nick Thompson pressed play.
Working shifts in an Amazon warehouse during the uncertainty of lockdown, Nick held onto something more powerful than job security, a passion for high-end trainers and a belief that he could build something of his own. That passion became KleanKicksUK, now proudly dubbed as The North’s No.1 Footwear Cleaner.
Five years on, having tried the high street shop option, Nick operates from Flexspace Leeds Burley Hill, where he has transformed a simple office unit into a professional, customer-facing trainer restoration studio, and proof that the modern high street isn’t the only path to success.
Turning an Office into a Destination
Step inside Nick’s unit at Flexspace Leeds and you immediately see the difference.
What was once a standard office space has been carefully reimagined into:
- A welcoming customer-facing desk
- A comfortable seating area
- A dedicated workshop space where meticulous restoration takes place
Customers are greeted at the external door before entering a clean, professional environment that feels both exclusive and approachable. Behind the counter, Nick works his magic, restoring everything from everyday trainers to some of the most luxurious footwear in the world (Leeds).
We’re talking Nike Air Force 1 Louis Vuitton collaborations. The kind of trainers that demand expertise, trust, and serious craftsmanship.
His client list even includes Premier League footballers Kalvin Phillips and Junior Firpo, a testament to the quality and reputation he has built.
But what makes Nick’s story truly powerful isn’t just the clients. It’s where he built it.
Why Flexspace Beats the High Street
Nick previously operated from a high street shopfront off York Road. For many business owners, that feels like the ultimate sign of success. Visibility. Footfall. Prestige.
But here’s what Nick discovered: The high street isn’t what it used to be.
Today, visibility doesn’t come from passing pedestrians, it comes from screens. Social media has replaced shop windows. Engagement has replaced foot traffic.
By moving to Flexspace Leeds, Nick dramatically reduced overhead costs while increasing operational flexibility. Instead of pouring money into high rent and rates, he reinvested into:
- Better tools and equipment
- Marketing and content creation
- Building his brand presence online
- Hiring weekend support staff
The result? The business became busier at Flexspace than it was on the high street.
Flexspace offers what many modern entrepreneurs need:
- Affordable, manageable overheads
- Adaptable space as the business grows
- Professional facilities without retail-level expenses
- A credible base for customers to visit
Nick proves that you don’t need a high street shopfront to create a premium customer experience. You need brand authority, strong marketing, and a professional base, and Flexspace provides exactly that.
Social Media: The New Shop Window
KleanKicksUK is powered by smart, consistent online outreach.
Nick has embraced:
- Instagram and Facebook marketing
- Before-and-after transformation content
- Educational tutorials on trainer upkeep
- Masterclass sessions teaching his methods
In fact, one customer travelled all the way from London to attend one of Nick’s masterclasses, a remarkable example of how far digital visibility can reach.
This is the new business model:
- Build authority online.
- Create trust through content.
- Deliver excellence in person.
The physical location becomes the operational hub, not the primary marketing tool.
Flexspace enables exactly that kind of model. It provides a professional headquarters without the financial pressure of a high street lease, giving entrepreneurs room to grow strategically rather than desperately chasing footfall.
From Passion Project to Growing Enterprise
Nick started KleanKicksUK at home during lockdown, driven purely by passion for high-end trainers. What began as a side hustle has grown into a thriving business with:
- A growing client base
- High-profile customers
- A weekend employee
- Increasing online reach
His goal now? Expand his clientele further, build his digital exposure, and grow the team sustainably before taking the next big leap.
And that leap? A store in Dubai.
Big ambitions. But if the last five years have proven anything, it’s that Nick doesn’t just dream, he executes.
To find out more, click the link below
KleanKicksUK – Trainer Cleaning & Restoration by Nick Thompson
Proudly based at Flexspace Leeds Burley Hill
Follow via Instagram – KleanKicksUK Instagram
