Foresight Nottingham invests seven figure sum in sportswear designer

West Bridgford-based designer and retailer of premium sports clothing PlayerLayer has landed a seven-figure investment from the Foresight Nottingham Fund.

PlayerLayer was founded in 2009 and employs 39 people. Foresight’s investment from the Foresight Nottingham Fund will be used to facilitate continued growth by funding working capital and increasing the sales team.

The Foresight Nottingham Fund is a £40m fund that targets equity investments of up to £2m into profitable growth companies, with a focus on Nottingham and the Nottinghamshire region.

Joe Middleton, executive chairman of PlayerLayer, said: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with the Foresight Group. Over recent years we have developed a unique positon as the premium British sports clothing brand, serving important niches with customised performance kit.

“Our customers include prestigious universities, schools and professional clubs, largely in the traditional British sports. The key to success in this sector is not only a great brand and great product. It must go hand in hand with operational excellence and customer service. Our partnership will allow us to invest even more deeply in the operating resources required to support our current customers and our future growth.”

Lizzie Ryan, investment manager, Foresight Group, added: “The UK sportswear market continues to experience significant growth, a trend that is likely to continue over the next five years.

“PlayerLayer is an exciting, high-growth company embedded in the Nottinghamshire community. We are looking forward to supporting the continued growth of an emerging market leader with a dynamic and entrepreneurial management team.”