Wolf London, a men’s equestrian clothing brand, secures £20,000 funding for expansion.
- The brand was founded in 2022 by Andre Gardiner, a competitive eventer and show jumper.
- Gardiner identified a gap in the men’s equestrian clothing market, stating it lacked diversity.
- A Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank facilitated the company’s initial growth.
- Gardiner aims to support British manufacturing and expand further into the UK market.
The British men’s equestrian clothing brand, Wolf London, founded by Andre Gardiner, has successfully secured a £20,000 funding boost to enable further expansion of its operations. Established in 2022, the brand was born out of Gardiner’s personal experiences as a competitive eventer and show jumper who struggled to find affordable men’s equestrian clothing. Gardiner, who has been involved with horses since a young age, recognised a significant gap in this niche market due to the predominance of traditional styles and a lack of investment compared to the female segment.
The impetus for creating Wolf London came during the Covid-19 pandemic, as Gardiner aspired to fulfil a long-held ambition of addressing the market gap in men’s equestrian apparel. His vision was to integrate contemporary designer fashion with traditional equestrian wear, making it more appealing for today’s market. This novel approach aims to enhance product diversity and cater to modern tastes, adding a new dimension to men’s equestrian clothing offerings.
To launch the business, Gardiner successfully applied for a Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank. This financial support, accessed through X-Forces Enterprise, not only provided the necessary capital to begin manufacturing and building essential infrastructure but also paired Gardiner with a business mentor. The mentorship was critical, offering strategic advice that has been invaluable to the business’s ongoing development.
Despite holding a full-time role as a project manager, Gardiner dedicates his spare time to advancing Wolf London. His commitment is evident as he personally attends equestrian events nationwide to promote and sell the brand’s products, highlighting the hands-on approach he maintains. A recent notable appearance was at the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, underscoring the brand’s active presence in the equestrian community.
Looking ahead, Gardiner is concentrating on expanding the brand’s product range with new summer lines. He is also exploring the feasibility of acquiring a horsebox to enhance the brand’s mobility across event venues. Upholding a commitment to bolster the domestic economy, Gardiner aspires to have future products manufactured within the United Kingdom.
Wolf London’s strategic funding and focused expansion efforts are paving the way for its growth in the niche men’s equestrian clothing market.
