Member Article

Entrepreneur brings together the best of British

An entrepreneurial graduate from the University of Sunderland has launched his own online fashion store, celebrating the very best of British made products, just in time for Christmas.

Iftys.com was developed by MBA graduate Ifty Alam when he identified an increasingly widespread demand for high quality, British made products. After months of hard work refining his business plan, pitching for funding, and securing suppliers, the site celebrated its launch on October 1 this year.

Ifty, 30, Sunderland, said: “I have always wanted to start my own business – throughout my studies at the University of Sunderland I was always taught to be a leader, an entrepreneur. British made goods are renowned worldwide for their quality and craftsmanship and they are also becoming increasingly popular here in the UK. I wanted to create a platform that allows people to easily access the very best of these products.

“The support I have received so far has been amazing and has really encouraged me to turn Iftys.com from an idea into a reality. It’s great to know that such experienced and influential people believe in my business idea and think that it’s really worth pursuing.”

The young, Sunderland based businessman has already gained high profile mentoring and backing for his innovative business idea, having successfully pitched for funding and support from the Start Up Loan Fund, via Virgin Money and PNE Group.

Melissa Middleton, Business Support Manager, PNE Group said: “We felt Ifty’s idea was really innovative, but also Ifty proved to us he had the skills and tenacity to make this business a success.”

Ifty has also received intensive business support from The Enterprise Place, a dedicated facility for student and graduate entrepreneurs at the University of Sunderland. He is one of a number of Sunderland students and graduates who are currently setting up exciting new businesses from within The Enterprise Place.

The project has received support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2007-2013. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme, which is one of the funds established by the European Commission to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs.

Business Development Manager Vince Robson, who manages The Enterprise Place, said: “It is fantastic to see all of the hard work that Ifty has put into his business paying off. He has identified a gap in the market for an online store that brings together the best of British, and we wish him every success in the future.”

Bringing together some of the finest British manufacturers, Iftys.com offers a range of carefully selected, high quality products ranging from dresses, jackets, and hats, to cufflinks, wallets, and lingerie. There are also more unusual finds such as card holders, dog collars, and tool rolls.

Ifty said: “Iftys.com works with some of the finest British manufacturers, to offer a range of carefully selected, high quality, British made products. Our exciting selection of premium products bring together the highest standards of traditional craftsmanship with the finest British materials in order to create luxurious pieces that really are exemplary.”

Going forward, Ifty plans to continue working towards establishing Iftys.com as successful brand and business worldwide. He also hopes to expand his range of products to include new and up and coming British designers who make their products in Britain.

To see Ifty’s full range of Luxury British made products, visit www.iftys.com.

For further information on the range of support available The Enterprise Place go to www.sunderland.ac.uk/futures or email enterprise@sunderland.ac.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Marie Donnelly .