Partner Article

Stepping into new territories

AN OUTDOOR footwear manufacturer is looking forward to global expansion, having enjoyed record sales and an increase in its workforce.

Sunderland-based Brasher, has already had two record sales years in quick succession and has decided to capitalise on its market position by bolstering staff numbers, both home and abroad.

Managing director, Andy Loeber, said: “The brand has now had two record sales years and this year looks like it’ll be our third, as sales are up by 20% already.

“As we grow and grow, more pressure is placed on our product development, so we’ve had to increase our team of designers.”

Although not completely immune from the rigors of the recession, the company – which specialises in fabric boots and footwear products – has said its market hasn’t been affected anywhere near the scale of leading high street fashion outlets, and it is hopeful a new branding image will forge the company as a major player in its field.

“People still enjoy the great outdoors and want to get that life balance right,’” said Mr. Loeber.

“The effect the recession had on our currency means more people are having their family and camping holidays in the UK. We now have serious market share.

“In the past we were very traditional and conservative in our branding but now we’re looking to tap into new markets here in the UK and overseas.”

The outdoor footwear specialists now has on board a new Far East brand manager, a junior designer and product assistant, leaving Mr. Loeber confident that this will enhance and develop Brasher’s image in the UK and around the world.

He added: “The brand is modernising well and we needed to make appointments to respond to our growth and the high standards we’ve set ourselves.

“Niyamathullah Khan, our Far East appointment, will be dealing directly with the factories in the region. This will involve product development and all of the technical work that goes into that before production takes place.

“To have somebody on the ground out there is a massive plus for the company.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .