Samuel Brothers
Samuel Brothers
Bespoke tailors and Royal Warrant holders, Samuel Brothers has been at the heart of the livery and garment industry for hundreds of years.
As many local businesses suddenly faced the realities of a strict lock down during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lee Dawson, Managing Director of Samuel Brothers was able to access valuable support through Back to Business Essex.
The new support programme launched as part of Let’s Do Business Group’s commitment to help businesses to survive the pandemic as well as to grow the local economy.
Receiving support from an experienced business mentor, the tailors were able to create a robust business plan and reassess their financial budgets, helping to secure their future.
Dave Watson, Business Manager at Back to Business Essex supported Samuel Brothers with:
A review of financing requirements to support growth aspirations
Securing appropriate finance and funding
Marketing and social media strategy development
PR and showcasing
Review of export plans and advice in risk mitigation/financing
Dave Watson said, “Family owned businesses account for the majority of employment across Essex and COVID-19 added a real wild card challenge to these key income generators.
“It has been fantastic to work with the amazingly skilled team based in Tendring using only the very best of British Mills and UK sourced product to hand craft such world leading quality garments. We are fully supporting the business to grow through advisory, connections and access to growth finance to capitalise.”
Lee Dawson added, “As an SME there are very few people outside our own businesses that can offer advice. At a busy time, I have appreciated the sincerity of staff who have taken the time to learn about our business, and consequently they understand and appreciate our business challenges.
““We have had some great continued support from Back to Business who have, quite frankly, been exceptional, and really understand our business.””
Fully funded by Essex County Council, Back to Business Essex is here to help struggling firms during COVID-19 and beyond. The scheme delivers up to 12 hours of expert business support including reassessing business finances, marketing strategy, workplace operations and more as we return to the ‘new normal.’
David Rooke, Director of Services at Let’s Do Business Group commented, “Even very well established and extremely well respected businesses such as Samuel Brothers face numerous challenges and the ability to respond to market forces and maintain and ideally grow market share in an increasingly demanding world is crucial.
Through working directly with Samuel Brothers, we have been able to introduce a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise directly to the business that really has contributed positively to the longer-term success.”
Samuel Brothers: The Story
Based in Harwich, Essex, the business manufactures uniforms for the military as part of a tradition which dates back centuries.
At the outbreak of World War One, the company focused on military garments and was commissioned by the War Office to produce the first waterproof coat for Officers of the British Army. Over a hundred years later in 2017, Samuel Brothers were appointed with a Royal Warrant as Tailors to HM the Queen.
The business has also created a strong link with the Colchester Institute to help strengthen the skills in the local area and attract local people who are interested in bespoke tailoring as a career option.
The team at Back to Business Essex are looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the growing business.
To discover how we can support your business Contact Us
