nir-vana innovation network

This UK manufacturer was established in 1767 and over its 250 year history has grown to become a leading producer of the finest handcrafted cashmere and woollen cloth and scarves. It is renowned all over the world for the quality and luxury of its fabrics and supplies a number of leading fashion houses and department stores.

The company specialises in the production of fine woollen fabrics, using natural fibres such as cashmere, Escorial wool and camelhair which are sourced from certified sources in China, Mongolia, Australia and New Zealand. These luxury fibres and yarns are tested in its own laboratory to ensure they meet its exacting standards. They also require great skill to work with and the company’s team of craftspeople have many years of experience in this field.

The company works to ISO 9001 standards and strives to promote an environmentally friendly culture, by certifying that no hazardous chemicals are used on its products or released into the environment. It does not use AZO dyes.

The product range includes cashmere and fine woollen scarves, stoles and throws, as well as fabric. The firm produces biannual collections under its own brand, as well as working collaboratively with clients on bespoke designs, exporting to over 20 countries worldwide.

The company now wishes to grow the market in Scandinavia and Russia for its own branded range of scarves and blankets, which are targeted at high-end department stores, multi-brand shops and tailors. It is therefore seeking to appoint new agents in these markets, who would be responsible for representing and promoting its brand and helping to facilitate sales. Partners should be experienced sales agents, with excellent contacts.

Advantages & innovations

The UK company and its products can offer the following advantages to potential partners: • The opportunity to work with a long-established and world-leading UK-based manufacturer, with an excellent reputation in the market; • Products of world-class quality (backed up by ISO standards and in-house testing) which are already very popular in key markets, such as those in the Far East (Japan, China); • Products which are made entirely from luxury natural fibres, which are ethically sourced; • Two new collections per year, with full sampling, catalogue and marketing support • Excellent customer service • A strong story, drawing on both the company’s 250 year old heritage and its environmental / social responsibility credentials.

Stage of development

Already on the market

Partner sought

Partners should be experienced commercial agents, with strong links to buyers at high-end department stores, multi-brand shops, tailors and online platforms. They should share the company’s “buy less, buy better” vision and be able to communicate this effectively to potential customers. They should also share its passion for high quality and sustainability. The agents would be expected to represent and promote the company’s brand and products in their territory and to maintain regular communication and reporting with the sales manager in the UK.