Jobs created as sportswear firm lands Midlands Engine funding
Mansfield-based Proskins, a manufacturer of sports and fitness wear, has landed a £250,000 funding package from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF), through Maven Capital Partners, supported by the European Regional Development Fund.
The cash will be used on a new marketing strategy to help build the firm’s presence in Germany and the US, whilst creating 10 new jobs in North Nottinghamshire.
Proskins designs and manufactures high performance leisurewear, including a range of men’s and women’s clothing which uses ‘compression technology’ to address poor blood-flow and fluid retention.
The company has also developed a range of cosmetic products aimed at the beauty market.
After seeing a significant increase in overseas demand for its products, Proskins is now working with TV shopping channels, which it says will help expand its market reach to countries such as Germany, Italy and the US.
Adam Bellamy, James Moore, Charlie French, Jonathan Lowe, David Tindall, Natalie Weightman, Neil French and Jason Robinson
The firm is owned and managed by a senior management team which includes brothers Neil and Charlie French who established the business in 2005. Managing director, Neil French was previously finance and operations director of Guilford Performance Textiles, whilst chairman, Clive Fenton was co-founder of I3it, a programme and service Mmanagement company that was purchased by BT. Former England rugby union and rugby league international, Jason Robinson, became a shareholder and joined the Proskins board in 2012. He supports the company’s product development and marketing strategy.
Neil French said: “We are delighted to have the backing and support of MEIF and Maven. Having seen a steady increase in demand for our products from direct sales and overseas customers, we’ve changed our business model and investment infrastructure to reflect this and support further growth in these areas. We’ve now set the foundations in place and are excited to take the next step towards fulfilling this strategy and expand our team.”
Jonathan Lowe, investment director at Maven said: “Proskins is a well-established business, producing high quality branded products based on innovative technical textiles, with a growing profile. The company is well placed to further expand its presence internationally and we are delighted to provide them with the debt funding required to take their business to the next level.”
