Newcastle brothers launch streetwear company with Northern Powerhouse funding

Two Newcastle-based brothers have announced the launch of a new streetwear business.

Philip and Richard Huggan’s latest venture, NØSLEEP, will look to capitalise on the growing demand for limited-run clothing lines.

The brothers’ other companies, digital agency ghostwhite and jobs website HitmarkerJobs.com, both operate within the fast-growing global esports market.

Philip and Richard got NØSLEEP off the ground with funding support from the £500m Barclays Northern Powerhouse Fund, which will enable them to quickly scale the business.

Richard, managing director of NØSLEEP, said: “With ghostwhite already established as one of the leading design agencies in esports and HitmarkerJobs.com beginning to generate its own revenue we felt the time was right to pursue an idea we’ve been working on in the background for over two years.

“NØSLEEP is an authentic streetwear clothing brand inspired by gaming and esports culture, which we know will resonate with serious gamers and aspiring esports professionals the world over.”

Founder Philip commented: “We’re delighted to finally be able to launch the brand thanks to the support of Michael and the Barclays Northern Powerhouse Fund, with the flexibility of the fund meaning we can now scale the brand at pace by increasing our product lines and expanding our marketing capacity.

“As we grow we look forward to building a world-class team of digital marketers, fashion designers, and software developers here in the heart of Newcastle City Centre, an area close to both of our hearts.”

Barclays business manager Michael Watson put together the funding package together.

He said: “Philip, Richard and their team are experts in building esports brands and we’re proud to be supporting the new business and helping it to scale at pace.”