The founder of an equestrian clothing company is making moves into the mainstream female sportswear market after becoming the sole owner of the business.
Jordan McCabe now owns Aztec Diamond outright, after buying out her mother Jane, nine years after the pair initially launched the business. Ms McCabe was just 18 when she set up the company, having spotted a gap in the market for equestrian wear for fashion-conscious young women.
Since then, Aztec Diamond has become a global name, exporting her designs to dozens of countries around the world, with key markets including the US, Canada, Australia, South Africa and Tokyo. Having fulfilled her childhood dream of starting such a business, Ms McCabe - winner of awards including Lloyds Bank entrepreneur of the year, and named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list - is now keen to push the growth of Aztec Diamond to the next level by widening its focus beyond the equestrian market.
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Backed by a team including non-executive finance director Brenda Readman-Bell, a former financial director at clothing company Barbour - she is now keen to grow the potential of their market size by opening their offering.
She said: “I have spent the last 10 years learning how to create the best calibre of sports wear, which I want more women to have access to, without being limited to equestrian. Aztec Diamond is a lifestyle, and so much more beyond equestrianism. That’s a big focus for us going forward.
“I’ve always wanted to take the business as far as I can, to really see what is possible for the brand, that’s the goal. My mum has always been there with support and advice, anything I’ve needed, it will be strange without her, but I know we’re both so ready for this next step. I want to continue what we have built and take it so much further. I’ve got a great team to build on, and Brenda’s experience will be very valuable, she has so much experience in retail.”
Ms McCabe was supported in her buyout by WilliamsAli Corporate Finance, with managing director Abu Ali leading on securing the finance.
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She added: “Abu and Niall were a real pleasure to work with. They took the time to understand our business, offered expert advice and guidance and exceeded our expectations throughout the whole process. We look forward to working with them again as we progress our business strategy.”
Mr Ali said: “Aztec Diamond is a brand recognised across the world for its fashion-forward equestrian designs for young women - this was a gap Jordan identified in the market, and her business is now synonymous with meeting that exact need globally. As a result of the buyout, Jordan is keen to really maximise the potential of the business.
"Focusing more on mainstream sportswear in response to her customer demographic is a very exciting move and one which could see Aztec Diamond an established name in even more of the international clothing market. We are delighted to have been able to support Jordan and can’t wait to see where the next chapter on her hugely successful journey takes her.”
Chris Hughes, corporate partner at Mincoffs Solicitors, and Tim Mallon at Mallon Tax also supported the transaction. Anthony Evans and Stephanie Brown, from the corporate team at Muckle LLP, advised Jane on her exit.