26/12 Equestrian tailor voted top north-west rural retailer

Equestrian tailor voted top north-west rural retailer A family run equestrian tailoring business has won the north-west regional heat of the Countryside Alliance Best Rural Retailer Competition. Alexander James of Pendlebury, specialist in bespoke riding jackets and country wear, now goes forward to the national final in the Daily Telegraph Best Traditional Skills category. Run by Alan and Margaret Little with a staff of 15, including numerous family members, Alexander James of Pendlebury is member of the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA). “Country sports outfits of all types can be found here,” said Tom Fell, the Countryside Alliance’s north-west director. “Inside the shop you feel you have stepped back in time, with creaking wooden floorboards and sewing machines holding various samples of cloth.” Alexander James of Pendlebury was founded in 1979, the company’s title deriving from the middle names of Alan and Margaret’s sons Mark and Carl who work in the cutting room. As well as hunt coats, sporting and equestrian waistcoats and jackets, Alexander James of Pendlebury produces side-saddle habits and a colourful range of band and choir uniforms from its factory over a traditional tailor’s shop. Tailored and made-to-measure garments are manufactured from fabrics woven in Yorkshire and Scotland. “You can’t beat 100% wool cavalry twill for keeping the weather out,” said Alan. “We make everything from scratch. If people want something different, we have the skills to create a special one-off for them.” The Manchester based company takes its trade stand to around 30-40 shows across the UK and Ireland per season. It has also found a particularly strong export market in the United States. “We have benefited from joining a number of trade missions organised by BETA,” said Alan, “We’ve proved that there is a great demand for traditional British fine tailoring, so we are delighted to receive recognition via this award.” The Best Rural Retailer Competition is a Countryside Alliance initiative designed to support and promote rural communities. The national winners will be announced at a House of Lords reception in February. (ends) FOR MORE INFORMATION contact Liz Benwell, BETA communications, on 01623 455996 or communications@beta-int.com or Claire Williams, BETA executive director and secretary, on 01937 587062 or info@beta-uk.org

15/08 Wycombe Swan Theatre

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