International clothing distributor ‘sizes up’ thanks to eight-figure HSBC UK support

An international clothing distributor based in North Wales is set for expansion with support from HSBC UK.

Deeside based Ralawise has received an eight-figure Asset-Based Lending Facility from HSBC UK to help facilitate expansion across the country and also internationally into Europe and US markets.

Ralawise will use the funding to increase its stock holding capacity by 50 per cent, enabling it to cater to a broader range of UK and international businesses. As a result of this growth, Ralawise is anticipating a significant increase in turnover over the coming months.

HSBC UK funding will also enable the business to navigate the industry-wide challenges of increased cost of garments, supply chain disruption and operating cost inflation.

Stuart Banks, Finance Director at Ralawise, commented: “We are immensely proud of how Ralawise has grown over the last 40 years into a company with turnover approaching £200m. 

“Transitioning from a family business serving the local market, to an international group supplying circa 4,000 products to over 15,000 companies in more than 50 countries really is amazing. We love to help businesses enhance their brand and create a community with our products. We look forward to doing this on a wider scale with HSBC UK support in 2024.”

Ben Clarke, Global Relationship Director at HSBC UK, said: “It’s fantastic to support this flourishing family-run company. Ralawise has demonstrated remarkable growth in recent years, and we look forward to helping the business flourish internationally despite current challenges faced by those operating in the clothing sector.”

Matt White, Senior Business Development Manager at HSBC UK, added: “Ralawise’s evolution over recent years shows the organisation’s commitment, resilience and innovation. We’re thrilled to support this expansion and look forward to seeing the business establish its community internationally.”

Ralawise was established in the Baston family kitchen during the late 1970s. It has grown from supplying local souvenirs to stocking over 120 brands. It currently serves clothing businesses across the world from its offices in Wales, Ireland and Germany, and multiple distribution centres in the UK, Europe and US.