Pioneering bespoke tailor, Pip Howeson, raises investment from Doug Richard and Chris Ingram

Pip Howeson Ltd today announces funding from ex Dragon’s Den star Doug Richard and media entrepreneur Chris Ingram to build on her fast-growing reputation for bespoke high-end tailoring, using ethically sourced British fabrics.

Based in London, Pip’s vision is to make made-to-measure fashion more accessible to women everywhere, who are fed up of wearing ill-fitting high-street coats and introduce them to the difference made by wearing bespoke clothes.

Pip is a graduate of the first class of School for Creative Startups run by Doug Richard, a course teaching business skills and know-how to aspiring entrepreneurs. With creative industries currently accounting for more than 10% of exports in the UK and generating £70,000 a minute for the UK economy, it’s perhaps no surprise that investors are keen to get behind the new wave of creative startups appearing on the horizon.

Pip Howeson Ltd also champions the importance of ‘Made in Britain’, as consumers are becoming increasingly aware of where the products they buy are sourced. Committed to supporting British milliners and the British textile industries, Pip’s coats are created entirely within the British Isles, from the artisanal fabrics from northern Scotland to the final design in her studio in Chelsea.

The investment will enable Pip Howeson and her team to open a store over the next twelve months, raise awareness of the brand as well as develop a ‘made-to-order’ service and build the collection. The funding coincides with the opening of Pip’s Christmas store at Pentreath & Hall in Bloomsbury and the unveiling of her new luxury cashmere collection. The collection will be on show at the store until 23rd December.

“I’m incredibly lucky to have received backing from Doug and Chris. It’s going to allow me to further develop the collection and spread the word about the benefits of bespoke garments that are made in Britain.” says Pip Howeson, founder of Pip Howeson Ltd.

Chris Ingram of Ingram Enterprise commented: “I am pleased to be supporting Pip Howeson; she is a talented bespoke tailor. As an entrepreneur with over 40 years experience and as an investor in start up and small businesses with Ingram Enterprise, I look to support young and aspiring business minded people like Pip.”

“I have been impressed with Pip’s talent for bespoke high-end tailoring and her drive to build a strong business and reputation. I am looking forward to working with Pip and her team to build the business using her talent and our business experience.”

Doug Richard also commented: I knew from the very first time that I met Pip at my School for Creative Startups bootcamp, back in August 2012, that she had a fantastic business idea and was going to be a great success.“

“I have watched her business grow from strength to strength and am proud to make this financial investment to help take it to the next level of growth.” Her handcrafted tailoring is exceptional – I am lucky enough to own one of her bespoke coats on which I have received many compliments.”