Latest news with #Nottingham-based
The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
Alpkit saves Scottish bag manufacturer Trakke from closure
Trakke, which was founded by Alec Farmer in 2010 and is based in Glasgow, announced its closure in February, saying that rising costs and tax increases made operating 'untenable'. Now, Alpkit — a multi-award-winning certified B Corp and outdoor equipment brand — has taken over the company. Production is expanding with the creation of seven new jobs at Alpkit's Nottingham-based factory, while select Trakke styles will still be made in Glasgow. READ MORE: Deacon Blue founding member James Prime dies aged 64 All Trakke bags will continue to use premium Scottish fabrics, maintaining the quality customers have come to expect. The original Trakke team, including founder Farmer, has been closely involved in the transition to ensure continuity in design, values, and product integrity. 'We've long admired Trakke's commitment to heritage materials, timeless design, and sustainable production,' said David Hanney, CEO of Alpkit. 'Bringing Trakke into the Alpkit family is a natural step, as both companies are driven by purpose, not just product.' With this transition, Trakke becomes a certified B Corporation, a 1% for the Planet member, and a Living Wage Foundation employer. Since 2010, the company has manufactured all its products in Scotland. Trakke's products have also proven to resonate globally, with 50% of previous revenue generated from the US. Alpkit currently sells to 69 countries. The company said the new structure will strengthen Trakke's international presence while "maintaining its unique identity". 'As we scale production and reach, we're excited to serve customers worldwide with the same passion and quality Trakke is known for,' added Hanney.
Fashion Network
2 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Barnfield Customs: slowing down menswear in a fast fashion world
There's fast fashion and slow fashion. And then there's really slow fashion, which is where Barnfield Customs comes in. The British menswear brand makes high-end outerwear and knitwear 'for those who value patience, provenance and purpose'. Each year, the Nottingham-based firm launches a selection of 'unique and limited edition' jackets. And with a 12-week wait for orders to arrive (every piece is handmade in England), this is about as far from the idea of instant gratification as it's possible to get. Once a style is sold out, it's gone. But that doesn't seem to be deterring customers. Its Lawrence Jacket, for instance ('developed and perfected' over four years), sold out within 36 hours of going on sale. The current Hampden peacoat is 'in progress' with the company inviting those interested to sign up. Those coats cost around £1,595. Founded by designer Mark Warman in 2020, Barnfield says it 'exists as a quiet defiance against disposability, offering garments that are made to last, worth the wait and rich with story'. So who's actually buying? Warman told that his customers are 'aged between 35 and 55, they're established in their careers. They're deliberate and look for genuine meaning in the products they invest in. With an annual household income that sits comfortably in the £120k–£180k range, they have significant discretionary spending power. They don't chase novelty, have no interest in trends and prefer values-led brands that reflect their own [values], typically buying one or two high-end clothing items per season'. And do they mind the long wait? Apparently not. He added that 'for them, the 12-week wait is a demonstration of quality and authenticity. The anticipation is all part of the joy of ownership'. While he hasn't shared its results (and the last set of micro company accounts available at Companies House give little clue), we have to assume that the business model is economically viable, although perhaps not at scale. Warman told us that 'I'm not chasing scale. In fact, I'm actively avoiding it. I'm building for slow, sustained growth. I fully expect Barnfield to offer repairs to the children of today's customers when they inherit their dad's favourite coat. The business is sustained by genuine connection. I run one-on-one virtual fittings, share behind-the-scenes updates including the missteps, and involve customers in key decisions'. And while scale isn't an objective, he does have over 3,600 people signed up to the email list. 'Around 60% open every message and many reply,' he explained, 'whether they've bought or not, because they feel part of what we're building'. Of course, even such a business as this needs something a little faster and with knitwear (retailing for around £295) held in stock, it 'balances the slower rhythm of our made-to-order coats and supports steady cash flow,' Warman said, while stressing that 'this isn't a trend-led model. It's a deliberate one, designed for longevity. We're not trying to be everything to everyone. We're building for those who get it, and clearly, they do'. But the 12-week wait is the key and is promoted as a virtue rather than a reason for frustration. Warman previously said the wait 'is core to what Barnfield stands for. It's not a gimmick or a marketing tactic – it's a true reflection of the time it takes to produce something of lasting quality. We're not sitting on stock or rushing to meet arbitrary deadlines. The wait is part of the experience – it's an investment in something genuinely meaningful. There's always an element of tension in waiting – especially when we've been conditioned to expect next-day delivery. But for the right customer, that anticipation becomes part of the joy. The people who buy from Barnfield aren't looking for instant gratification'. And in order to keep customers engaged, while each coat is being made, they're kept 'in the loop, showing them what's happening behind the scenes. That sense of anticipation deepens the emotional connection'. Warman said that 'slowing down forces us to ask better questions: why am I buying this? Will I still love it in 10 years? Who made it – and how? That kind of consideration is what makes a product valuable. To me, it's also part of what makes it sustainable. We don't need more things. We need better things'.
Fashion Network
2 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Barnfield Customs: slowing down menswear in a fast fashion world
There's fast fashion and slow fashion. And then there's really slow fashion, which is where Barnfield Customs comes in. The British menswear brand makes high-end outerwear and knitwear 'for those who value patience, provenance and purpose'. Each year, the Nottingham-based firm launches a selection of 'unique and limited edition' jackets. And with a 12-week wait for orders to arrive (every piece is handmade in England), this is about as far from the idea of instant gratification as it's possible to get. Once a style is sold out, it's gone. But that doesn't seem to be deterring customers. Its Lawrence Jacket, for instance ('developed and perfected' over four years), sold out within 36 hours of going on sale. The current Hampden peacoat is 'in progress' with the company inviting those interested to sign up. Those coats cost around £1,595. Founded by designer Mark Warman in 2020, Barnfield says it 'exists as a quiet defiance against disposability, offering garments that are made to last, worth the wait and rich with story'. So who's actually buying? Warman told that his customers are 'aged between 35 and 55, they're established in their careers. They're deliberate and look for genuine meaning in the products they invest in. With an annual household income that sits comfortably in the £120k–£180k range, they have significant discretionary spending power. They don't chase novelty, have no interest in trends and prefer values-led brands that reflect their own [values], typically buying one or two high-end clothing items per season'. And do they mind the long wait? Apparently not. He added that 'for them, the 12-week wait is a demonstration of quality and authenticity. The anticipation is all part of the joy of ownership'. While he hasn't shared its results (and the last set of micro company accounts available at Companies House give little clue), we have to assume that the business model is economically viable, although perhaps not at scale. Warman told us that 'I'm not chasing scale. In fact, I'm actively avoiding it. I'm building for slow, sustained growth. I fully expect Barnfield to offer repairs to the children of today's customers when they inherit their dad's favourite coat. The business is sustained by genuine connection. I run one-on-one virtual fittings, share behind-the-scenes updates including the missteps, and involve customers in key decisions'. And while scale isn't an objective, he does have over 3,600 people signed up to the email list. 'Around 60% open every message and many reply,' he explained, 'whether they've bought or not, because they feel part of what we're building'. Of course, even such a business as this needs something a little faster and with knitwear (retailing for around £295) held in stock, it 'balances the slower rhythm of our made-to-order coats and supports steady cash flow,' Warman said, while stressing that 'this isn't a trend-led model. It's a deliberate one, designed for longevity. We're not trying to be everything to everyone. We're building for those who get it, and clearly, they do'. But the 12-week wait is the key and is promoted as a virtue rather than a reason for frustration. Warman previously said the wait 'is core to what Barnfield stands for. It's not a gimmick or a marketing tactic – it's a true reflection of the time it takes to produce something of lasting quality. We're not sitting on stock or rushing to meet arbitrary deadlines. The wait is part of the experience – it's an investment in something genuinely meaningful. There's always an element of tension in waiting – especially when we've been conditioned to expect next-day delivery. But for the right customer, that anticipation becomes part of the joy. The people who buy from Barnfield aren't looking for instant gratification'. And in order to keep customers engaged, while each coat is being made, they're kept 'in the loop, showing them what's happening behind the scenes. That sense of anticipation deepens the emotional connection'. Warman said that 'slowing down forces us to ask better questions: why am I buying this? Will I still love it in 10 years? Who made it – and how? That kind of consideration is what makes a product valuable. To me, it's also part of what makes it sustainable. We don't need more things. We need better things'.
Sunday World
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Drug dealers who sprayed Dom Perignon from a Rolls-Royce have been jailed for 130 years
The notorious gang have finally been apprehended 12 gangsters who sprayed Dom Perignon from white Rolls-Royce in rap video are jailed for total of 130 years A total of twelve drug dealers who sprayed Dom Perignon from a white Rolls-Royce in a drill rap video to boast about their weapons and wealth have been jailed for 130 years. The Nottingham-based gang used the lyrics and images in their music videos to recruit children into their 'industrial' heroin and crack cocaine ring, a court heard this week. The video in the hired Rolls-Royce shows 20 balaclava-clad young men posing at locations around the St Ann's area of the city. Godpraise Bouwen, 22, who has previous convictions for robbery and knife offences, can be seen rapping about 'junkies asking for testers' and defending his turf. Nottingham Crown Court heard that the gangsters flooded towns across the East Midlands and Aberdeen with Class A drugs. They used children to move and sell their stash to reduce their risk of getting caught - and protected their turf with knives and a loaded pistol. The group were sentenced to a total of 130 years for their role in the drugs gang.
Scottish Sun
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
BBC Masterchef star closes award-winning restaurant TODAY after ‘unforgettable journey' as he teases ‘final celebration'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN AWARD-winning restaurant owned by a BBC Masterchef star is closing today after an "unforgettable journey". Announcing the news online, chef Ritchie Staisnby teased a "final celebration" before he closes the doors to the much-loved vegan food spot. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 BBC Masterchef star has closed his award-winning restaurant Credit: Trip Advisor 6 The vegan restaurants was much-loved in the community Credit: Trip Advisor 6 Ritchie previously appeared on Masterchef Credit: BBC Owners of the restaurant made the decision to shut up shop after admitting "everything is up in the air". Co-owner of Nottingham-based No. Twelve, Ritchie Stainsby built up a strong relationship with his regular customers after starring on Masterchef: The Professionals last year. He runs the restaurant alongside wife Lauren and despite the popular spot being filled up most days, Ritchie has called time on the project. The final farewell will take place on 1 June and is open to all members of the public. Read more on Money TAKING OFF Beautiful airport hotel with bee treasure hunts and fine dining restaurant Tickets are free and the restaurant will be serving heavily discounted booze and food, and will even auction off some of its items. In a post on Instagram the couple said: "This is more than just a party — it's a thank you, a farewell, and a celebration of everything has stood for. "Whether you've dined with us once or a hundred times, we'd love to see your face and raise one last glass together. No dress code — just bring your friends, your appetite, and your best stories. Let's make this a day to remember." News of the closure was announced earlier this year with the TV chef alluding to things being "up in the air" despite being as busy as ever. They said: "We got some sensitive news that's out of our hands. Heartbroken MasterChef star tells of 'lost dream' after shutting award-winning restaurant and warns 'it's bleak' "We have loved doing this and the reason it's coming to an end so abruptly is some personal circumstances for us and those around us that contribute to the restaurant closing. "No. Twelve hasn't failed, to be honest we are busier than we ever have been. "And because we're a couple we guarantee people will think we've split up. Just to clarify we are a happily married couple." He ended the passionate message by saying: "Everything is up in the air at the moment and, even though we don't know what's going to happen, I'm still going to be a chef." The 33-year-old is yet to say what led to the closure of No. Twelve but he did confirm the brand would live on in the form of regular pop-up events. Private dining bookings will also still be available for guests who want to get their tastebuds back with Ritchie's tasty offerings. No. Twelve can be found at Eldon Chambers in a busy part of Nottingham. It was first opened up in 2017 as a small 24-seater cafe in Hounds Gate being the business was transformed into a fine dining restaurant in a converted redbrick Victorian mill, off Wheeler Gate. They specialise in vegan dishes with an imaginative twist that has wowed everyone - including devout meat lovers. Much of the meals form an à la carte menu but there is also a seven-course tasting menu for people to try. 6 The chef said he would carry on cooking Credit: BBC 6 They thanks their fans for the 'unforgettable journey' Credit: Trip Advisor 6 A final closing party will take place on June 1 Credit: Instagram Until today the spot was running as usual to provide diners with a culinary experience they won't forget. Lauren, 29, previously said: "What we want to do over the next three months is celebrate. "One door closes, another door opens. We're going to see it as something positive. "It is sad but we don't want to be sad about it because there is no point. It's been a great journey for us. "I started this when I was 22, now I'm going to be celebrating my 30th here. It's amazing, we've done so well." Ritchie said despite the pair choosing to step away from the business sector for now, they could be convinced back one day. He said if the right investor came in and made an offer which was good enough then they would go into business again. The chef said: "Whilst a change of location seems impossible at the moment, it's not something we'd ever rule out. "The economy, as it is, is tragic for our industry. While there are places opening we often find it's people who have got big backing." It comes after Sunday Brunch star Elliot Kaye and Richie Hayes shared that they would be closing their modern-style greasy spoon. The North London eatery Norman's Cafe had long been a hub for influencers and fashion-forward people looking for a greasy spoon with a difference. Opened by Sunday Brunch chef Elliot Kaye and Richie Hayes, the posh restaurant first opened its doors in 2020. Norman's Cafe began as a sandwich shop before widening its menu to include a range of British classics. Despite its immense popularity, however, the shop's owners announced that it will close its doors in June 2025.
