Cornish fashion brand Celtic & Co is gearing up for more success after experiencing its best year so far in 2021.
The “pioneering, digitally native” retailer of ethically-sourced, natural and sustainable knitwear, footwear and outerwear has increased capacity through recruitment, hiked production of footwear in its Cornish factory, and expanded into new premises.
Celtic & Co, founded in 1990 by husband-and-wife team Nick and Kath Whitworth, now employs 84 permanent members of staff and operates across two sites in Cornwall with head offices at Indian Queens and its factory in Newquay, where the skilled team hand craft its collection of British sheepskin boots and slippers.
In 2021 it signed a lease for the refurbished former Crantock Bakery premises at Indian Queens. The new location provides about. 24,000sq ft combining warehouse space with a modern, internal office block, allowing the company to expand its growing online and mail order business.
In March 2021 Celtic & Co reported a 75% increase in sales to £15.5m as the Covid lockdowns fuelled online shopping and the demand for comfortable clothing.
Celtic & Co managing director James Williams, who was appointed in May 2021, said: “2021 was a huge year for us. We opened our new larger offices and warehouse at Indian Queens in the summer; successfully launched partnerships with John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, and Next; and recruited 26 local people who will help us achieve our ambitions for international growth.
“Our product development team has been working really hard to launch our best, and most sustainable, collection yet.
“This spring will see the addition of new summer wovens and knitwear using recycled linens, recycled and organic cottons, lyocell, and hemp, as well as more trainers and boots made using recycled rubber soles, recycled linen, and vegetable tanned leathers.”
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The majority of Celtic & Co’s suppliers are British based, with the remainder sourced as close to home as possible from specialist producers.
The brand only uses natural fibres due to their renewable and sustainable qualities, and holds strong policies around animal welfare and ethical sourcing.
Having won two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in International Trade in 2018 and 2020, Celtic & Co has continued to see its global business thrive.
International highlights for the year include building on its US customer base, as well as significant growth in Australia, Canada, and Germany.
Mr Williams said: “A big thanks to our incredible staff who have all helped to make this such a successful year. We have exciting things planned for 2022, including building on our range of products and our partner relationships, opening our new shop at Indian Queens, and continuing with our sustainable strategies for circular fashion.”
The company sells directly to customers through its website and call centre and has sent orders to more than 60 countries across the globe.
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Celtic & Co began in 1990 when Nick and Kath Whitworth decided to buy a small boot making business, with just seven pairs still in stock. They developed their sheepskin boots and became the Celtic Sheepskin Company. Rebranded as Celtic & Co, the company now employs more than 50 people and sells its range of products, from knitwear, footwear and coats to accessories and luggage, across the world.
In April 2021 the firm received a further boost when a leading character in the long-running TV show The Walking Dead wore one of its jackets. Maggie Greene, played by British actress Lauren Cohen in the AMC TV horror series, was seen wearing a waxed riding coat made in Cornwall by Celtic & Co. The actress was seen wearing the £215 coat in aired episodes and during filming for the 11th and final season of the ratings winner.
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