Easy Clothing Crew Another Enterprising Barnsley Success
Starting and establishing your business is never easy especially during an economic downturn. After Ian Hunter was made redundant from his job at a clothing company in Huddersfield, he and fellow business partner, Richard Bath created Easy Clothing Crew. They bought out the equipment from their former employers and decided upon setting up their own business.
As part of the programme they received mentoring from Genesis Project Manager John Hall, which Ian and Richard agreed that although they may not have gone for help everyday it’s very reassuring knowing help is there should you need it. The growth of the business in its first twelve months has meant that they have outgrown their current premises and as such have taken the next step of the Enterprising Barnsley ladder moving to an Enterprise Hub and a larger workshop at Mount Osborne Business Centre. Again in twelve months time Ian, will review the business to examine if they are ready to take the next step up the enterprising ladder, for now however Easy Clothing Crew Ltd will continue to increase their customer base and aim to be the main supplier to South Yorkshire. The £4.7m Enterprising Barnsley programme is funded by £2.89m from the European Regional Development Fund, £739,000 from Yorkshire Forward, and other funding sources.
After hearing an advert on local radio about the Genesis project, once accepted onto the project, they steadily added to their customer base they had bought from their previous employers. They were based in the Genesis suite at BBIC Wilthorpe, which provided them with support and office accommodation in a professional setting to grow their business, while their workshop at the Oakwell Business Centre, provided sufficient space for the machinery.