(Photographs can be downloaded free at www.scottishviewpoint.info/tweed)
AN Isle of Lewis family business operating in the luxury fabrics market has seen its order books grow following support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Breanish Tweed, situated in Adabrock in the district of Ness on the north coast of Lewis, has been working with the development agency on a growth plan and has been successful in targeting top of the market bespoke tailors from fashion houses around the world.
The company produces the finest of lightweight tweeds, weaving to order on a single width Hattersley loom, making cloth made of Shetland wool, lambswool and cashmere. Breanish Tweed is an entirely different cloth to Harris Tweed as it is much lighter and softer.
Says a spokesperson: “Manager director, Iain Finlay Macleod, took over the company two years ago and is also a playwright, author, producer and BAFTA award-winning director.
“His family has always been involved in textiles, with his mother, Chrissie, and sister, Christina, undertaking the design work and production, and father, Donald John, has been a weaver for 40 years.
“Four hand-knitters and a seamstress are also employed by Breanish Tweed producing a small range of luxurious knitwear and accessories sold at bespoke tailors in Mayfair, London and 5th Avenue, New York.
“The company also produces the only handmade vicuña tweed in the world, which is the most expensive hand-woven fabric available within the textiles market and prized for its incredible quality. As the national animal of Peru, vicuñas produce small amounts of extremely fine wool, which is very expensive because the animal can only be shorn every three years.”
Iain Finlay said: “Weaving is an integral part of the fabric of the area so it’s important that these traditional skills are maintained. HIE and SDI have been really helpful with advice and information, and instrumental in moving us forward and putting us in touch with the right people.
“The help we have received has transformed the business as we have been able to employ more people, and we will also looking to take on a warper and a darner. We are going to be flat out in the Autumn.”
The enterprise agency has been working closely with Breanish Tweed and has supported its growth plans with a £21,000 grant towards building, training, and marketing costs relating to export activity.
HIE’s business development manager, Alasdair Maclean, commented: “We have been working with Breanish Tweed over the last year to refine their strategy and have helped them put the tools in place to implement this.
“The aim is to grow the business through development of relationships with agents around the world, which already has led to new clients in Japan.
“The Scottish textiles sector has a great reputation for its quality, diversity and design excellence and the creation of globally recognised brands. We are delighted to work with Breanish Tweed and will continue to work closely with the business to help them realise their ambitions.”
Ends.
About HIE
HIE’s role is to develop sustainable economic growth across the region. To achieve this it creates infrastructure for future investment, assists large and small businesses with growth aspirations and has a unique role strengthening communities, particularly in fragile areas.
HIE supports the growth ambitions of business and social enterprise clients by creating close working relationships in order to accelerate growth in turnover, profitability, wage levels, exports and therefore Gross Value Added (GVA) in the HIE area.
HIE also invests in transformational projects across the region to make the Highlands and Islands a more competitive and attractive place to live, work, study and grow.
The region covered by HIE takes in more than half of Scotland, and is home to around 440,000 people. See www.hie.co.uk for more information.
Issued by Mairi Bertram
HIE Communications team
01463 244235
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Contact: HIE Communications
Phone: 01463 244235
Website: http://www.hie.co.uk
