Outdoor marketplace weathering economic storm

Oct 14 2009 by Chris Knox, The Journal

From the rolling hills of Teesdale to the challenging slopes of the Cheviot, this region has some of Britain's finest walking country. So it is no surprise that the North East is also the home to some of the best known names in outdoor clothing. Chris Knox takes a look at this growing industry.

Record profits for Brasher

A COMBINATION of people holidaying at home and the strength of the euro against the pound has helped to lift outdoor footwear manufacturer Brasher to record profits.

The Sunderland-based firm – which like sister company Berghaus is part of Pentland Outdoors – increased sales by 8% last year but is expecting to boost them even further during the current calendar year.

Managing director Andy Loeber said: “Last year was a record year. This year – touch wood – will undoubtedly be another record year.

“ We expect 10% growth this year. It’s very, very positive, purely by identifying gaps and trying to be the best at what we do, the brand is looking really strong.

“The spring/summer 2010 product range order book is now closed. There is a real momentum behind the brand at the moment.”

The company was set up 30 years ago by Chris Brasher, an Olympic runner who won gold in the steeplechase in the 1956 Olympics. It now employs 15 direct staff and shares admin people with Berghaus.

“He was quite entrepreneurial and also set up the London Marathon,” said Mr Loeber.

“His philosophy was to develop walking shoes and boots that were as comfortable as training shoes, that fitted straight away right out of the box.

“We analyse the products and how they can be better. We’re taking market share at the moment.”