Nottingham importer posts better than expected profits

A Nottinghamshire business specialising in the import and export of socks, underwear and loungewear has posted better than expected profits after diversifying their product range during the pandemic.

E J Orr, which was established in 2000, says it is now well placed to see continued growth into 2021 and beyond.

The business, trading as Orrsum, supplies licensed and private label socks, underwear and loungewear, with a blue chip client base boasting a number of the world’s leading retailers.

During the pandemic the company introduced a range of rainbow themed socks, from which all revenue was donated to the NHS. The company was also first to market with a new organic cotton range of social distancing masks, while their sustainable brand, GreenTreat, rapidly expanded its loungewear and underwear offering, to meet the increase in consumer demand.

Managing Director, William Orr said: “Like many businesses, we have been operating in uncertain times and are therefore delighted with the company’s current trading position. Like others, we had to find new ways of trading, coupled with supporting the national effort. Our business benefitted from a CBIL loan provided by Barclays, who were quick to respond to our cashflow requirements.”.

Alastair West, relationship director at Barclays, said: “The management team acted quickly to assess the impact on trading and we were able to assist with a level of funding that would see the company through the uncertainty. These Government backed loans have proved a lifeline for many businesses throughout the pandemic and I look forward to seeing other companies, like Orrsum, posting healthy results following what has been a very difficult period.”