Following an exceptional first year in business, full service screen printing company, Refuel Apparel has now been positioned as a subsidiary of Refuel Global Brands Ltd.
The company based at Westcott Venture Park was established in 2013, launched by Peter Lee, main shareholder of the Refuel Group of companies. Refuel Global Brands Ltd. is the official licensee for several well-known streetwear brands including Starter Black Label whereas Refuel Brand Distribution Ltd. is the official Mitchell & Ness distributor for the world outside of North America.
When establishing the business the primary aim was to service both the Starter and Mitchell & Ness printing requirements due to the high volume of merchandise being commissioned to external print houses. With a solid foothold in the streetwear printing market, the business branched out further to service the music distribution industry, working in the last year with Plastic Head and UB40. They have also worked with local businesses and other companies at Westcott Venture Park, creating bespoke uniforms from a small run of low-cost transfer t-shirts to mass orders of premium screen printed garments. Refuel Global Brands has now appointed two joint managing directors to develop new revenue streams and build the Refuel Apparel business to achieve growth and success
Richard Stafford joins from a senior management background within the apparel sector, bringing with him his contacts within the world of sports, having successfully launched the NBA and NFL brands into nine European Countries and worked with the likes of Manchester United. Gareth Ellis has been with Refuel Global Brands Ltd since it’s beginning and has a rich background in fashion and product design. Gareth was also at New Era previously with Peter.
Gareth says: “The big focus for us now is working on what is known as ‘quick response’ which is a business model based on the ‘what if program’ adopted in the US. This model involves designing, developing, printing and delivering sports club event merchandise for example, t-shirts and hoodies on a quick turnaround basis. We are working to take the ‘What if program’ business model and replicate that in the UK and have just completed a successful order from Sheffield United to commemorate their semi final League Cup game with Tottenham Hotspur. This initially involved approaching the official merchandise store for Sheffield United and selling in the idea, we then completed the order within four days allowing the club a week to ten day sell in. They were delighted with the design, development and quality achieved and impressed with the delivery within such a short time frame and a day earlier than expected.”
Richard goes onto say: “We believe growth for Refuel Apparel in the sports sector is huge and with our current capacity to turn around apx 2,500 units per day, we are ready to launch this new service direct to the industry. There are many other sporting opportunities ahead with the Rugby World Cup in 2015 and the ICC Cricket in 2016 as well as building on our existing success within the football industry. We have already increased output by 30% as a direct result of introducing these new business streams so have realistic goals of increasing the business by at least 50% in the coming year.”
Peter Lee, CEO of Refuel Global Brands comments: “I’m really pleased to have Gareth and Richard steering the business forward, their roles are of a strategic business focus and I believe the blend of experience and industry contacts will be a winning combination.”
The Refuel Group has grown exponentially since its conception in 2009 and reports year upon year success, with current year revenues likely to be in excess of £20million.
Westcott Venture Park is now home to 71 businesses employing over 400 people and is managed by Lambert Smith Hampton. If you would like to find out more about Westcott Venture Park, visit www.westcottventurepark.co.uk.
