Organic fashion business is big in Japan

A North West small business is making it big in Japan.

Former knitwear buyer Hannah Beaumont, 25, launched an organic fashion business two years ago, and thanks to her success in the Far East, is already looking to enter new export markets.

Her company Beaumont Organic has seen a 40% increase in sales since entering Japan with the help of UK Trade and Investment, the government’s international business agency.

The products have proved extremely popular in Japan, and has already graced the covers of some of the most prestigious fashion magazines, including the Japanese issue of Elle.

Next week she is visiting Scandinavia in  a bid to cast her net wider still.

The Beaumont Organic Collection is made with 100% organically grown cotton which is free from pesticides and insecticides.

The clothes, which are made in Portugal, last year won the Best Textile Product at The 2008 Natural and Organic Awards.the most prestigious event in the calendar for organic businesses.

She said: “I have been surprised by how quickly I’ve started to export, but I’m really glad I got in touch with UKTI. The Japanese asked a lot of questions and are a very thorough and precise range, but have been fantastic to deal with.”

Hannah produces two collections a year, and hopes sales for both the autumn/winter and spring/summer will reach between £60,000 and £100,000 in the next 12 months.

John Doyle, international trade adviser for UKTI North West, says: “Beaumont Organic is a successful young company which is really going places.  Hannah’s collections have proved popular from the outset and she is a great ambassador for high quality, ethical British fashions.

“Since we have been working together Hannah has enjoyed considerable success in Japan and I am confident that with careful planning and the right research and advice she will be able to replicate that success in more and more markets, becoming a truly international fashion business.”