Ep 169 Revitalising the UK knitwear industry with Brand Founder and Designer Genevieve Sweeney

Todays episode of start scale succeed Nicole is Joined by UK knitwear designer and brand founder Genevieve Sweeney 

Some of the areas we chat about are 

 Challenges of UK Manufacturing in an industry that is disappearing & her dreams and plans of revitalising the UK knitwear industry.

 What Genevieve learnt from stepping away from the Fashion Norms when running a fashion business.The power of staying true to your business brand values. 

Building community through social media and how it has scaled with in-person at her studio in Hertfordshire.

 Being sustainable at the core whilst growing.

Key highlights including 

 

Launching a Brand:
The pivotal moments and challenges that led Genevieve to start her own knitwear brand.

Sustainability Practices:
Genevieve’s approach to sustainable manufacturing, including ethical sourcing, minimizing waste, and making timeless pieces.

UK Knitwear Industry:
The evolution of the industry over the past decade and the current landscape for UK-based manufacturers.

Business Milestones:
The significance of being stocked at Fortnum & Mason and the recent expansion to a new studio in Hertfordshire.

Community Engagement:
How Genevieve engages with her local community through her studio, including workshops and tours.

Challenges and Aspirations:

Current challenges such as seasonality and future plans for creating a micro-factory and offering apprenticeships.

Advice for Entrepreneurs:
Genevieve shares valuable advice for those looking to start their own brands, emphasizing resourcefulness and creativity.

 

https://www.genevievesweeney.com/

https://www.instagram.com/genevievesweeney/

 

Genevieve Sweeney is committed to preserving and revitalising this corner of the industry. Working with hand-selected mills and factories around the UK, GS is driving British manufacturing forward by embracing innovation whilst also celebrating tradition; keeping time-honoured craftsmanship relevant and capturing the beautiful, refined touch of the artisan. Her signature yarn blends evoke a unique and contemporary mood, while limited batches promise unrivalled originality, lasting quality and attention to detail.

 

Host Nicole Higgins 

The Buyer and retail coach 

Nicole Higgins Links 

https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/

 

https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/

https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/

 

https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/

https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/

Sponsor 

Neon Digital Clicks 

Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids’ and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns.

 

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