"Ann Summers Ann Summers is a British multinational retailer company specialising in sex toys and lingerie, with over 140 high street stores in the UK, Ireland, and the Channel Islands. In 2000, Ann Summers acquired the Knickerbox brand, a label with an emphasis on more comfortable and feminine underwear, while the Ann Summers-labelled products tend to be more erotic in style. The chain had an annual turnover of £117.3 million in 2007-2008. The company was named after Annice Summers, the female secretary of the male founder, Michael Caborn-Waterfield. Annice Summers, who was born Annice Goodwin in 1941 but later took"
"Wakefield from March to June 2017. The show aimed to create discussion on the theme of the body, specifically how each body part can disobey the body. More than 100 works were presented at the exhibition, including Issey Miyake and Yves Saint Laurent. JW Anderson JW Anderson is a British fashion label, founded by Jonathan Anderson. Anderson lived in Northern Ireland during his youth before establishing JW Anderson in 2008 and subsequently launched his fashion house in London. The brand initially focused on menswear, before moving into womenswear in 2010. From 2012 onwards, the brand and its designer have collaborated"
"by Jet Li to provide clean water for Chinese children. Aspinal is the sponsor of the Midhurst Town Cup polo competition, which is a local Polo match played at Cowdray Polo Club, the home of British Polo. Prior to her wedding, a Kate Middleton ""Princess Catherine Engagement Doll"" was sold, which came with a toy Aspinal bag as an accessory. Aspinal of London Aspinal of London is a London designer, manufacturer and retailer of luxury leather goods and accessories for men and women. Aspinal of London was founded in 2001 by current Chairman Iain Burton. The Creative Director of Aspinal"
"men. Cambridge Satchel Company The Cambridge Satchel Company is a British company that produces satchels and other leather goods. The company was founded in 2008, in Cambridge, England, by Julie Deane and her mother Freda Thomas as a way to pay private school fees for Deane's children. She had been looking for a durable, timeless schoolbag for her children, describing her goal as ""what Harry and Hermione would have used at Hogwarts"" and telling her children ""Harry Potter. I am telling you that is a boy that would have had a satchel with that Hogwarts school uniform."" Her colourful handmade"
"Aquascutum Aquascutum is a British-based luxury clothing manufacturer and retailer. Aquascutum was established in 1851, the year of the Great Exhibition, when tailor and entrepreneur John Emary opened a high quality menswear shop at 46 Regent Street. In 1853, after succeeding in producing the first waterproof wool, he had his discovery patented and renamed the company 'Aquascutum', Latin for 'watershield'. In 1901, Emary moved to 100 Regent Street in the heart of London. In September 2011, Austin Reed had moved into that location at 100 Regent Street after it was announced that Aquascutum was in trouble. Coats for officers in"
"Bluebird Toys Bluebird Toys plc was a British toy company. They are responsible for the Polly Pocket brand, Havok wargame and Disney Tiny Collection. Previous toy lines include Manta Force, Oh Penny, the British version of Oh Jenny from Matchbox Toys, Mighty Max and miniature Thomas and Friends sets. Torquil Norman founded Bluebird Toys in 1980, his first product being the now famous Big Yellow Teapot House. This was one of the first ‘container’ houses which broke away from the traditional architectural style of dolls' houses in favour of this light and colourful family home. He is also famous for"
"Costume"" (the first costume for men to be made without sleeves and legs) found an international market and made his 12 ft by 13 ft shop known to many of the big names in the swimming world. The shop soon grew to take in two neighbouring shops, before it moved premises to Borough Road when Newton Street was redeveloped. It was a family-run business – Jack Hatfield's sister ran the shop whilst he was away, and following his death in 1965, three of his four sons took over the ownership of the shop, having worked there all their adult lives."
"to be sold for $120m (£97m) to two buyers, one of which is Chinese textile firm Shandong Ruyi. Aquascutum Aquascutum is a British-based luxury clothing manufacturer and retailer. Aquascutum was established in 1851, the year of the Great Exhibition, when tailor and entrepreneur John Emary opened a high quality menswear shop at 46 Regent Street. In 1853, after succeeding in producing the first waterproof wool, he had his discovery patented and renamed the company 'Aquascutum', Latin for 'watershield'. In 1901, Emary moved to 100 Regent Street in the heart of London. In September 2011, Austin Reed had moved into that"
"the arms, and a Cobra with a neck frill. Other products include the head-only lycra Morphmask and Megamorph, an inflated suit with lycra over the head, hands, and feet. As of May 2011, it claimed to be the world's largest fancy dress brand. As of 2011, Gregor Lawson had worked in brand management for eight years. Trained with ""FMCG marketing"" (fast-moving consumer goods) at Gillette and later Procter & Gamble, he led marketing on Pantene, Pringles, and Gillette. He left P&G in July 2010. Lawson is brother of rugby union player Rory Lawson, son of rugby union player Alan Lawson,"
"Cambridge Satchel Company The Cambridge Satchel Company is a British company that produces satchels and other leather goods. The company was founded in 2008, in Cambridge, England, by Julie Deane and her mother Freda Thomas as a way to pay private school fees for Deane's children. She had been looking for a durable, timeless schoolbag for her children, describing her goal as ""what Harry and Hermione would have used at Hogwarts"" and telling her children ""Harry Potter. I am telling you that is a boy that would have had a satchel with that Hogwarts school uniform."" Her colourful handmade leather"
"Beecroft's Toys Beecroft's Toys is an English online and mail order toy shop. Although founded in 1822 in Nottingham, it is now based in Hampshire. The company sources toys from around the world. Josiah Corbett founded the first toy and fancy goods shop in Nottingham at No. 2 High Street, Nottingham. The shop then moved to a larger premises on Chandler’s Lane in 1844. In 1848 Corbett also hired a partner, Charles Beecroft, and in 1848 the toy store was renamed Beecroft’s. In the 20th century, Charles’s son John Henry became Beecroft’s owner, followed by Thomas and then his son"
"Bonmarché Bonmarché ( ) is a clothing retailer based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The business was founded in 1982, and was acquired by the Peacock Group in July 2002. The clothing retailer has over 380 stores nationwide, employs over 4,000 people and is the United Kingdom's largest budget fashion retailer selling womenswear in a wide range of sizes – especially plus size clothing. Ranges include casual and formal separates, outerwear, swimwear, lingerie nightwear and accessories, all designed for larger women. In March 2011, it was reported that Peacocks were looking to sell Bonmarché, and in January 2012, the business was"
"a proposal on compensation to the victims. The agreement was signed by Primark, Loblaw, Bonmarche and El Corte Ingles. Bonmarché Bonmarché ( ) is a clothing retailer based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The business was founded in 1982, and was acquired by the Peacock Group in July 2002. The clothing retailer has over 380 stores nationwide, employs over 4,000 people and is the United Kingdom's largest budget fashion retailer selling womenswear in a wide range of sizes – especially plus size clothing. Ranges include casual and formal separates, outerwear, swimwear, lingerie nightwear and accessories, all designed for larger women. In"
"up costumes, wigs and accessories under the brands Smiffys and Fever, and currently employs 250 people. Their head office is in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, and the creative services team is based in Landmark Court Leeds, where products are designed and created. However, in October 2016, in the wake of the Brexit Referendum, the company's director, Elliott Peckett, announced that it would open a new headquarters in the Netherlands to safeguard access to its markets and talent pools. R H Smith & Sons brands include the ""Time4Fun"" - a range of children's toy and leisure items, ""Fever Collection"" - a collection of"
"Agent Provocateur (lingerie) Agent Provocateur is a British lingerie retailer founded in 1994 by Joseph Corré and Serena Rees. The company has stores in 13 countries. In 1994, Agent Provocateur was founded by Joseph Corré, the son of Vivienne Westwood, and his then-wife Serena Rees. The first store opened in Soho on Broadwick Street. The company sold colourful and fashionable lingerie Joseph Corré was the designer for the brand. In 2007, after the divorce of Corré and Rees, 3i, a private equity firm that invests in mid-size companies, purchased 80% of the company for £60 million. Between November 2007 and"
"Chad Valley (toy brand) Chad Valley is a long-established brand of toys in the United Kingdom owned by Sainsbury's. The company has its roots in a printing business established by Anthony Bunn Johnson in Birmingham in the early 19th century. Under the management of his son Joseph and grandson Alfred the company moved to the suburb of Harborne, in the valley of a stream called the Chad Brook, giving its name to the Chad Valley district, from which the company name is derived. Chad Valley made a decision to expand their range to soft toys before World War I. They"
"British collection such as suits, trousers, shirts, sportswear, accessories, for men, ladies, and children. These products, designed under the strict control of headquarters in London, were produced and distributed through independent retail stores worldwide as well as the Burberry stores, and contributed to the growth of the brand in sales and profits through to the late 90s, although the full extent of sales was not apparent in the parent company accounts since much was done through licensed agreements. The company had signed Lord Litchfield as photographer, Lord (Leonard) Wolfson was Chairman and Stanley Peacock OBE Managing Director. In May 2001,"
"""eBay"" athlete and back the Welsh Extreme 40 catamaran. King of Shaves The King of Shaves Company, Ltd. is a British toiletries company headquartered in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, England. The King of Shaves brand was founded in 1993 by Will King. The company was demerged from Knowledge & Merchandising Inc. Ltd. on 1 June 2009. It is owned by The King of Shaves Holding Company Ltd. Will King founded Knowledge & Merchandising Inc., Ltd. (KMI) the company which owned the King of Shaves brand in 1993. In 2009, The King of Shaves Company Ltd. was demerged from KMI, and the company"
"toy company known as Dudebox. Robert Beecham married Claire Beecham . They are trustees of the Claire and Robert Beecham Charitable Trust. The couple live in Primrose Hill, London. In November 2015, Beecham's £70 million plan to rebuild his current home and extend it underground with what was described as ""London's biggest basement"", was subject to criticism by some of his neighbours. Robert Beecham Robert Simon Beecham (born February 1951) is a British businessman who made a fortune after he secured the first ""Star Wars"" product license in Europe in 1977. He sold out to Hasbro in 2002 to become"
"Penfield (company) Penfield is an outdoor clothing brand and private company that was established in Hudson, Massachusetts. Founded in 1975 by Harvey Gross, a New England native, the company has built a reputation for making down-filled jackets, fleece and outerwear. Since Penfield's inception in 1975, the brand quickly became a staple for many Americans in the 1980s. Penfield have extended their business beyond outdoor channels and into a broad range of retail channels, including retailers such as Barneys, Saks and a number of independent stores around the world. The brand has a long history of special collaborations and private label"
"strategist Andrew Darrow as executive vice president to expand the operation. Cammie Dunaway joined in late 2010 as the chief marketing officer. KidZania at Westfield London, cost £20 million to build. In partnership with British Airways, it is operated by Joel Cadbury and Ollie Vigors through their Longshot Ltd company. The mascots of KidZania are called the Rightz Keepers. They represent the rights that all KidZania patrons have, and together, they share an extra sixth right, the Right to Be. KidZania was voted the World's Top Family Entertainment Center by the IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) and"
"to charity. Tim Waterstone Sir Tim Waterstone (born 30 May 1939) is a British businessman, author and philanthropist. He is the founder of Waterstones, the United Kingdom-based bookselling retail chain, the largest in Europe. Tim Waterstone was born on 30 May 1939 in Glasgow, Scotland. He grew up in Crowborough, East Sussex, England. He was educated at Tonbridge School and St Catharine's College, Cambridge, where he read English. Waterstone worked for a broking firm in Calcutta, India. Upon his return to England he worked as a marketing manager for Allied Breweries, 1964–73 and then W.H. Smith, 1973–81. Waterstone founded the"
"and Buckley opened their new store in the city centre of Oxford. The opening was supported by rising BBC Introducing star Chris Smee. On 12 February 2017, founder, James Buckley Thorp, appointed a new CEO. Mr Alexander Newman is the current CEO of Rupert and Buckley LTD. As part of the brand's expansion plans, they have stores in Durham and Chester. The brand name was a combination of the founder's surname and the name he'd like to call his first child. The company incorporated aspects of British heritage and sporting design in its products, and used a deep purple and"
"its previous peak value. Financier Sir Ron Brierley's Guinness Peat Group made an unsolicited bid for the company in January 1998, but was outbid by Mattel acting as a white knight. Mattel swiftly went on to integrate Bluebird's products into its own lines, closing the headquarters in Swindon and offering redundancy packages to all those who were not offered relocation to the Mattel headquarters. Bluebird Toys Bluebird Toys plc was a British toy company. They are responsible for the Polly Pocket brand, Havok wargame and Disney Tiny Collection. Previous toy lines include Manta Force, Oh Penny, the British version of"
"playful and inspiring dress-up for adults and ""Smiffys"". Smiffys Smiffys is a wholesale, fancy dress manufacturer specialising in party fashion, leisure and entertainment products. Founded in 1894 by Robert Henry Smith, ""Smiffys"" is part of the R H Smith & Sons (Wig Makers Ltd) group and has become a global organisation with offices and showrooms worldwide. As a fancy dress, Halloween and Carnival manufacturing company in the UK, Smiffys distribute nearly 5,000 products to over 5,000 stockists around the world with over 26 million items shipped every year. Smiffys originally began as Wigmakers, but soon established itself as a fancy"
"Umbro Umbro is an English sportswear and football equipment supplier based in Cheadle, next to Manchester, England. Umbro designs, sources, and markets football-related apparel, footwear, and equipment. Its products are sold in over 90 countries worldwide. Since 2012, the company has been a subsidiary of American company Iconix Brand Group. The company was founded by Harold Humphreys, along with his brother Wallace in a small workshop in Wilmslow, Cheshire, inspired by the growing interest in football witnessed nationwide. The name ""Umbro"" is a quasi-portmanteau inspired by Humphreys Brothers Clothing. Umbro's kit debut was in the 1934 FA Cup final, when"
"ASOS.com ASOS plc ( ) is a British online fashion and cosmetic retailer. The company was founded in 2000 in London, primarily aimed at young adults. The website sells over 850 brands as well as its own range of clothing and accessories, and ships to over 200 countries from fulfilment centres in the UK, US and Europe. Despite deprecating its original meaning (AsSeenOnScreen), ASOS is still written as an uppercase acronym; the exception to the rule is the new logo designed by Ben Lewin in 2008, where it is stylistically shown all in lower case. ASOS' headquarters are in Camden"
"Babycham - trademark dispute of 2013. Cath Kidston Catherine Isabel Audrey ""Cath"" Kidston, MBE, (born 6 November 1958) is an English fashion designer, businesswoman and author whose company, Cath Kidston Limited sells home furnishings and related goods through shops, online and by mail order. She is particularly known for her nostalgic floral patterns and has also published a number of books. Kidston's grandfather Glen Kidston was a successful racing driver for Bentley in the 1920s, who was married to Nancie, Samantha Cameron's paternal grandmother. Kidston's uncle is the former chairman of Christie's, Charles Henry Allsopp, 6th Baron Hindlip and his"
"Galt Toys Galt Toys is an international educational toy company. It is responsible for a number of high-profile games and its designs by Ken Garland are often cited as classics. In 1836 Ayrshire-born James Galt set up James Galt & Co. Ltd, which traded in Manchester as educational stockists. While the original product line consisted of items like desks and blackboards, the company expanded into publishing and printing, and increased its influence on the education sector. In 1957, the company moved its headquarters to Cheadle in Cheshire. In 1961 the Galt Toys Division was formed and opened its first toy"
"Topshop Topshop (originally Top Shop) is a British multinational fashion retailer of clothing, shoes, make-up and accessories. It has around 500 shops worldwide – of which some 300 are in the UK – plus online operations in a number of its markets. Its current CEO is Ian Grabiner, and it is part of the Arcadia Group, which is controlled by Sir Philip Green. Topshop started as a brand extension of the department store Peter Robinson in the 1960s and originally sold fashion by young British designers, such as Mary Quant and Stirling Cooper. Peter Robinson was a women's fashion chain"
"of their racing team ""CatfordCC Equipe/Banks"", an amateur under-23 squad having British National 'Elite' team status. Jeff Banks Jeff Banks PPCSD (born Jeffrey Tatham-Banks, 17 March 1943) is a Welsh designer of men's and women's clothing, jewellery, and home furnishings. Born in Ebbw Vale, Wales, Banks co-founded the fashion chain Warehouse in the late 1970s. He later created and presented the television programme ""The Clothes Show"", broadcast on BBC One from 1986 to 2000. Banks was born in the Monmouthshire valleys of South Wales, at Ebbw Vale. His sheet metal worker father left his mother when Banks was eight, and"
"her stepfather’s surname, left the company soon after it opened following a row with Caborn Waterfield. She went to live in Umbria, Italy, two hours from Rome, and died of cancer in October 2012. In 2000, Ann Summers acquired the underwear brand Knickerbox for an undisclosed sum. However, in 2014 they announced plans to sell the brand. The first Ann Summers shop was opened in 1970 in Marble Arch, London, from which it grew to six shops. Ann Summers was purchased in 1971 by brothers Ralph and David Gold, who turned it from a standard sex shop into an established"
"equity firm Cinven acquired Kurt Geiger from its previous owner, New York-based private equity firm Sycamore Partners, for £245 million. Kurt Geiger has over 70 stores, and over 170 concessions within department stores, including Harrods and Selfridges. In 1995 Kurt Geiger introduced a men’s collection designed in London with distinctly British edge worn by actors from Benedict Cumberbatch to Daniel Radcliffe, Channing Tatum and John Boyega. Kurt Geiger owns three brands Kurt Geiger London, KG Kurt Geiger and Carvela Kurt Geiger, created by its own in-house team. Kurt Geiger Kurt Geiger is an upmarket British footwear and accessories retailer. The"