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Stephen Reeds Teddy EdwardI’ve seen Teddy Edward pop up on my Instagram feed more and more over the last few months, and when two bloggers I work with – Andrea Owen/Mud on my Mulberry (see her ‘Blogstars feature here) and Harriet Edwards/A Girl About Country (see her ‘Blogstars’ feature here) started talking about the brand, I knew I needed to sit up and pay attention. Luckily Stephen Reeds from Teddy Edward was happy to be quizzed… and here’s what he had to say…

What made you want to start Teddy Edward?

I have been working in the fashion industry for over 25 Years making lots of money for other people, the time came in my life where I wanted to do something for me but something that I could be proud of!

How is your company different?

Firstly I wanted all my products to be made in Great Britain! I also believe there is a gap in the market for quality classic products with a contemporary edge for men and women which are made in Britain.

What makes Teddy Edward’s products special?

Not only are they made in Britain but when you try them on, you can feel the quality of the fabric and the attention to detail on the fit. All our products are properly tailored so it doesn’t matter your size, they always fit well and feel great!

Can you sum up your business in five words?

That would be: Having fun, made in Britain.

Do you have a motto or ethos?

Not really, as we are a new business still working it out but what we believe in is: 

Teddy EdwardUnderstated Luxury. Totally unapologetically, British.

If you could give one piece of advice to another business owner, what would it be?

Simply if you believe in it, do it before it’s too late!

What’s piece of technology that you use to support Teddy Edward?

That’s simple : Shopify is amazing, not only does it manage our website, so we can do it ourselves without specialist assistance, it is our EPOS system and manages our stock! For a great price!

What’s the best thing about running your own business?

Being able to design lovely luxury products.

What’s the worst thing about running your own business?

Managing the cash flow!

Do you have a favourite business blog?

I don’t have have one as I like to shop around to get various opinions.

Do you have a favourite business book?

I have not read one in a few years as I get all my information from web/Google/blogs or friends/old colleagues whose experience or opinions I value.

Tell us one thing we might not know about you?

I am very short and bald but enjoying life to the full.

What’s your top business achievement?

Like many people who have been in the fashion industry a while, I like to think I have a few but the one I am most proud of is starting my own brand and business.

Where can we find Teddy Edward online?

www.teddy-edward.com

Instagram is:

Teddyedwardclothing

Twitter is:

@TeddyEdwardUK

Anna ButlerAs Butler Stewart celebrates its second birthday this week, I wanted to share with you a bit about this lovely tweed company and its founder Anna Butler. Here’s her ‘a few minutes with…’

Tell us about you and your background

I am incredibly lucky to have had a fantastic childhood growing up on my family farm in Essex. With my love of design I completed a degree in BA (Hons) Exhibition, Museum and Event Design. I then went on to live in London where I discovered my love for fabric and tailoring. I have always had a passion for the countryside; I regularly participate in country sports and spent a numbers of years working in the shooting industry where I gained invaluable experience and contacts.

What made you want to start Butler Stewart?

After working in London in the high-end retail industry for many years I decided I wanted to start up an exclusive brand selling country and town clothing for men and ladies. Tweed is often associated with muddy farmers and English gentry but my aim is to help change this perception by designing beautiful timeless garments that can be worn with your everyday wardrobe. 

How is Butler Stewart different?

Butler Stewart focuses on high quality tweed, exquisite tailoring and intricate detail. Butler Stewart also offers a popular made to order service allowing customers to create a unique garment, a niche when exhibiting at shows around the UK.

What makes your products special?

I have an amazing tailor who takes my designs and creates the most beautiful pieces. All the collections are tailored in limited edition ensuring you stand out from the crowd. The collections are made up of unique styles, distinctive features and colourful fabrics creating understated British elegance.

If you had to sum up your business in five words, what would they be?

Specialising in tailoring and tweed. 

Do you have a motto or ethos?

My personal favourite: What if I fall? Oh, but my darling what if you fly.

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring business owner, what would it be?Joanna Jacket Butler Stewart

A strong and bulletproof business plan and budget is key. I regularly update and refer back to my business plan to make sure that I am staying on track with what I would like to achieve. It is very important to create a clear brand. Customers must understand what your business is all about and this is fundamentally built around your brand. 

One thing that helps you run your business more effectively

I can’t live without Photoshop! The design programme allows me to customise images so that I can regularly update my website and to promote the brand and garments through newsletters, social media and print advertising and to have excellent visual merchandising at the shows.

Best thing about running a business?

Being your own boss is exceptionally satisfying (and terrifying). It can be extremely hard work but the rewards are more than worth it. 

Worst thing about running a business?

Being a sole trader can be very daunting, I have found it is very important to have a strong network of business connections and also supportive friends and family. 

Top business blog you follow

I regularly read Drapers’ Blog, featuring different key industry leaders, which helps keep me up to date with all the latest fashion, retail news and advice.

Top business book you’ve read

When researching about a start up business I picked up many useful tips from ‘Build a business from your kitchen table’ by Sophie Cornish and Holly Tucker (the founders of notonthehighstreet.com

One thing we might not know about youButler Stewart

My ancestor, George Courtauld, established a successful textile company in the Essex countryside called George Courtauld & Co. and was a worldwide manufacturer of fabric, clothing and artificial fibres. My curiosity in my ancestors from a young age helped strengthen my interest in fabric and tailoring. 

Top business achievement

Building a successful and profitable business within two years of launching. 

Where can people follow you or your business online?

http://www.butlerstewart.co.uk/ 

https://www.facebook.com/butlerstewartclothing/ 

https://www.instagram.com/butlerstewart/

https://twitter.com/ButlerStewart1