Private White V.C. hires staff from former Burberry supplier

By

Cajsa Lykke Carlson

Published
Aug 4, 2016

Salford-based manufacturer Sweeney Outerwear was forced out of business last month, when Burberry, which was its main customer, ended its contract.

But now luxury label Private White V.C., which is also from Salford, has stepped in to help out. The Manchester Evening News reports that James Eden, Private White's managing director, has bought Sweeney Outerwear's equipment and hired 14 skilled machinists out of Sweeney’s 25-strong workforce. This takes Private White's total workforce to nearly 100 people.

Private White V.C. is named after James’ grandfather Private Jack White, who worked in the same factory in 1918. The label is currently expanding and has its own store in London's Mayfair area. Growth has been boosted by the Brexit vote, which has made the brand cheaper for foreign buyers.

Eden said: “The fall in the pound has made our clothes significantly cheaper. In the past month we’ve seen a huge uplift in traffic, enquiries and ultimately revenue from overseas. Some of our key markets are the US, Germany, Japan and the Scandinavian nations."

“The lion’s share of our menswear is sourced from the North of England and so we are well insulated and look forwards to continue to benefit from the effects of Brexit."