Exporting
Textile and fashions exports account for 6.5 billion worth of exports annually, with most going to mainland Europe, the Republic of Ireland and the US. More and more companies are going international whether it be through internet trading, standalone stores or via wholesale.
Export Management Support
Fashion Sussex are delighted to be able to offer established designers in the region, export expertise provided by Martin Mason, CEO & Managing Director of Lulu Guinness Ltd.
About Martin Mason
Launched in London in 1989, Lulu Guinness is enjoyed by an ever-expanding list of celebrities with shops in London, New York and Tokyo. The unique creations of Lulu Guinness are also sold in department and specialty stores worldwide including Harrods and Selfridges in the UK. They have also been subjects of two exhibitions in Sotheby’s London and New York.
Being well schooled in British heritage and luxury brands thanks to positions at Mulberry, Pringle of Scotland and John Smedley, Martin joined Lulu Guinness in February 2009.
Martin began his career in banking before embarking on a fifteen year career to turnaround the fortunes of luxury brands. He was most recently the CEO of British luxury house Tanner Krolle and prior to this a director at Mulberry, an AIM listed company, where he was responsible for the planning and implementation of Mulberry’s global sales and marketing strategy. He has extensive experience in Japan and was directly responsible for the negotiating and signing of distribution partnerships for both Pringle of Scotland and Mulberry.
His experience in Asia has also included the signing, opening and commercial management of stores located in Hong Kong, China, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand. Martin has recently signed an agreement with a leading Hong Kong-based investment group, to form a new 50% joint venture to expand the Lulu Guinness brand across Asia (ex-Japan)
Following the recent success of Lulu Guinness in Japan, with Itochu Group, this new partnership brings a stronger driving force for Lulu Guinness to tap into the rest of the Asia market.
Please email info@fashionsussex.co.uk if you wish to get in touch with Martin.
One of Sussex based top UK fashion designers stated …
” Martin is a very knowledgeable man managing millions in export.
It was just brilliant to have some of our ideas and plans confirmed with someone who really knows export and great advice of where to steer away from and what to think about long term” … Sarah Arnett – of Modern Love now launched in Liberty’s of London.
UK Trade Investment services
Taking part in overseas exhibitions is an effective way for your business to test markets, attract customers, appoint agents or distributors and make sales. UKTI’s Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) provides grant support for eligible SME firms to attend trade shows overseas.
Participation is usually as part of a group, a great advantage for inexperienced businesses, and is usually led by one of the Accredited Trade Association (ATOs). ATOs work with UKTI to raise the profile of UK groups and sectors at key exhibitions.
Responsibility for providing inward investment services has transferred from the Regional Development Agencies to UKTI. For all related enquiries contact the UKTI Investment Services Team on +44 (0)845 539 0419 or +44 (0)207 333 5442, email enquiries@ukti-invest.com.
UKTI South East International Trade Team, Unit 10, Fulcrum 2 Solent Way,Whiteley, Fareham, PO15 7FN. Call 08452 789 600 or email info@uktisoutheast.com
***New pdf available for those fashion firms considering exporting from Sussex, UK – Your export opportunity: our insight. Your guide to getting started in exporting.
A guide that outlines the points your business may need to consider before venturing into international business. The guide explains the benefits to a company with case studies and provides contact information within UK Trade & Investment and sources of help and guidance and elsewhere. Read more > Business Innovation Skills
UKFT
The export division of UKFT, is focused on helping British based fashion and clothing businesses sell effectively worldwide. It provides its members with high quality export marketing services and advice, and acts as a resource for overseas buyers and agents by offering a UK sourcing and introductions service. Read more > UKFT information available here.
Sussex Enterprise
Sussex Enterprise is a fully recognised accredited chamber of commerce for Sussex. It organises frequent export related events for businesses. Please see Sussex Enterprise website for further dates.
