Sir Plus make clothes from cabbage. The company's founder, Henry Hales, explained to me that this is the term used in the industry for the excess fabric left over after garments are made. So it was that he made me a waistcoat from cabbage and, a few weeks later, I went to meet him and to talk to him about his venture.
GF: Tell us about Sir Plus.
HH: Sir Plus is a quirky clothing brand that makes exceptional garments, here in England, using off-cuts and surplus fabrics (cabbage!)
GF: How did you get started?
HH: I started by buying a few metres of shirting fabric, to make into boxer shorts and sell at markets. The range has grown from boxers to many other items including waistcoats, jumpers, T-shirts and a number of accessories. I now attend shows and fairs all over the country and sell increasingly more on my website.
GF: How would you like to see the business develop?
HH: I'm really happy with the way things are going, slowly and sustainably, or "organically" to use the buzzword! I'd like to increase the product range by adding a few more pieces where I think there's room for improvement. I see my main market as online, whilst attending shows, festivals and fairs to demonstrate the products and spread the word.
I'm not over concerned about taking on premises, for Sir Plus is online. I'd like to take on two more employees in 2014, as at the moment our small team has their work cut out! In time, Sir Plus will be known for stylish, well designed luxury clothing, with a sense of humour!
GF: How important is the British-made and designed aspect of the product to you?
HH: It's important to me and the brand, but also very practical. Making things here in the UK, enables me to be in the factory at the drop of a hat, The quantities are lower and the quality is outstanding. At the moment, most of my fabrics are sourced here as well. It's also rewarding to contribute to our economy and more eco to make in the UK!
GF: Who and where are your main markets? How would you like to see these develop?
HH: My main markets are threefold:
- Men with style who appreciate good quality clothing and choose to treat themselves.
- Sir Plus items make great gifts, so in the build up to Christmas, I sell lots of items to people buying presents. The jumpers with elbow patches and the boxer shorts were particularly popular last year. I'm making Nehru style waistcoats and more jerkins, which I'm really excited about – I think they’re going to be big this year!
- Many of the waistcoat sales are for weddings, or special events. I rank highly for double-breasted linen waistcoat on Google, so near Ascot I had a huge surge in sales, which was encouraging.
GF: What have been the particular challenges?
HH: Up until recently (apart from in the build up to Christmas, when I needed help) I was doing everything myself, from designing, to sourcing to dispatching, customer services, website maintenance and social media, etc. There weren't enough hours in the day and it was hard to switch off!
I'm no longer working from home, but when I was storing all of my boxers and waistcoats posed a bit of an issue. It’s fair to say my bedroom was a walk in wardrobe!
GF: What inspires you in driving the business?
HH: My Dad was a huge inspiration. He tried lots of things out, lived a great life and always had a tale to tell. When something rubbish happens in the business, I always think of him telling it as a story round the table.
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| Prince Charles is embarrassed to admit that he didn't buy his boxers from Sir Plus (Image Daily Mail) |
GF: What are you favourite moments in running the business?
HH: Cara Delevigne bought a pair of boxers from our pop up last year, every time I receive an international order I get excited, I enjoy meeting my customers and getting feedback. I bought a van this year and the maiden voyage gave me a lot of satisfaction. Hopefully it’s going to be extremely helpful for trading, as I’ll no longer have to squeeze everything into my car.
GF: How would you describe your personal style?
HH: A bit eccentric and occasionally over the top, my style has a British theme, but I like to wear something that sticks out a bit. Why be boring? Quality is important.
GF: One final thought?
HH: I'm just gearing up for the markets at the moment, I’ll be hitting Portobello and the others with a bang - do come visit! Follow me on Facebook or Twitter to find out where I’ll be!
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