Business Profile:
This business, established and trading successfully for more than 10 years, provides a comprehensive range of knitwear and jerseywear to well known brands and retailers throughout the UK, Ireland and Continental Europe. There is a significant portfolio of machine assets that makes this company one of the most modern, innovative and efficient in the UK.
The company follows strict standards of Ethical Trading and ensures that all parts of the company’s operations meet and often exceed UK Health & Safety Laws and Legislation. Quality Control Systems are incorporated into the production process, and all operators and technicians are highly trained to ensure full efficiency.
The state of the art manufacturing unit is regularly inspected to ensure excellent Health & Safety working conditions and audited by SEDEX. The company also operates a broken needle policy and metal detection to ensure all aspects of Health & Safety are covered to guarantee the very best working environment.
Whatever the requirements, the company in combination with its outstanding supply chain relationships delivers the highest quality to its demanding customers. The in-house design team works closely with customers in preparing innovative solutions, whilst working alongside the company’s knitting technicians to develop accurate and speedy ideas.
The company’s creative and sales teams pay close attention to all current and on-going fashion trends taking regular trips to influential trade shows as well as trend research specialist sources; collaborating closely with trimming suppliers maintains a full and comprehensive selection of buttons, poppers, zips, beads and trims and offers embroidery options and heat applied studs.
There is also an extensive range of bespoke yarns from Cotton, Acrylic, Metallics to Boucle and brushed fancy yarns including Wools and Blends.
Equipment:
The company utilises up to date accounting software to run the administrative functions of the business.
The very latest Stoll CMS Machinery is used capable of producing every variation of structure and pattern to create the perfect finished product.
Machines are set to use 3, 5, 7, 10 and 12 gauge yarn and other gauges according to customer’s specification. Among the broad portfolio of options the company specialises in Intarsia, Shaping and Fashioning.
Customer Service:
The staff are fully committed to providing the very best levels of customer service and the highest possible standards of work. These levels of customer service are maintained through ongoing training and development.
Key Strengths:
• Comprehensive portfolio of state of the art knitting machines
• Excellent key staff
• Impressive customer retention levels with very high levels of repeat business from a large customer base
• Highest quality service levels
• Market Presence- over 35 years successful trading
• Reputation
• Consistently profitable
Growth and Expansion:
The business has enjoyed an excellent level of business to date and continues to consistently perform even in today’s tough economic climate. Growth could be achieved by developing incumbent customer relationships and a proactive new business effort to win new accounts.
Key Opportunities:
The vendor has never actively promoted the company using either advertising or database driven marketing initiatives as most of its work comes via referrals and repeat business. With a more proactive sales and marketing function a new owner could significantly increase revenues and turnover within the business, both with existing and new clients.
Employees:
The Vendor is Managing Director and is supported by the following personnel:
• Sales Manager
• Sales/Merchandising Manager
• Designer/Pattern Cutter
• Administrator/Receptionist/Merchandiser
• Knitter 2x
• Presser 2x
• Sample Machinist
• Overlocker Machinist 6x
• Lockstitcher
• Cleaner
• Warehouse Manager
• Designer
• Pattern Cutter
• Programmer/Technician (FTE)
• Programmer/Technician (Self employed)
Advertising and Marketing:
The business has been trading for over 10 years and has never felt the need to advertise. There is a company website, however the majority of its work comes via repeat business, referrals and recommendations.
The website could be marketed more aggressively using search engine optimisation techniques and perhaps social media to enhance its presence and drive traffic and enquiries.
Premises:
The business operates from well maintained premises owned privately by the vendor, Art-Deco in style it is situated on the junction of two very busy trunk roads with excellent access to the M1 Motorway. Premises comprise circa 10,000 square feet of ground and first floor (incorporating factory, warehouse and offices). There is ample parking outside for vehicles. It is understood a new lease would be made available to a new owner.
Alternatively the business could easily be relocated should a new owner so require. Current rates and water are circa £15,000 p.a.
Business Hours:
Office: Mon - Fri: 08.00-17.00
The factory will operate a shift pattern during times of increased demand.
Financial Information:
The business is being offered for sale on a going concern basis, all financial discussions will take place directly between the vendor and all interested parties under the auspices of Turner Butler.
The business has enjoyed very consistent sales revenues over many years despite the tough trading conditions and is well positioned for future growth.
Turnover is circa £2,600,000 p.a. with gross profits circa £684,000 p.a. and adjusted EBITDA of circa £150,000. From year ended 31st March 2020 accounts.
The Asking Price of £900,000 is for 100% of the issued capital of the company, assuming Net Assets of c£590,000 on completion (calculated on a zero cash-zero debt basis). The final selling price will have a £1 for £1 adjustment for any rise or fall in this benchmark Net Asset figure of £590,000 at completion.
Reason for Sale:
After many years of managing the company, the vendor has decided that the time is right to follow other business interests.
Support and Training:
The vendor will provide a comprehensive handover to ensure a seamless transition of ownership. This should be a relatively simple process as the business has several key members of staff.
