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TIGHT-KNIT FASHION GRADUATES START THEIR OWN BUSINESS

Two friends who met at Northumbria University have set up their own fashion business - specialising in knitted swimwear.

Pearl and Bloom Ltd was started by Rachael Glynn and Sylvie Hall with the help of a grant from Go Wansbeck.

The duo design and produce all of their goods at their studio in Ashington and are about to launch a website where people will be able to view their creations and order them on-line.

Rachael, 24, from Ashington, and Sylvie, 23, from Newcastle, graduated in July this year and immediately set the ball rolling to start their own fashion house. They approached Go Wansbeck for help with starting their business and received funds to set up their website and buy machines to manufacture their designs.

Rachael explained why they are focusing on woollen wear. She said: “Creating knitted clothing has always appealed to us. The idea of not only designing the cut and style of the garment, but also creating the fabric allows us to express our creativity in full. Knitted swimwear is rare, however we have developed a specialised fabrication which allows us to push the boundaries of knitwear. We know it is a niche market but we want Pearl & Bloom Ltd to be able to provide a unique product, and hope this is it.”
Rachael and Sylvie are now looking forward to exciting times ahead and are looking to break into the glossy world of fashion magazines.  

Rachael said: “We’re raring to go with the business. Thanks to Go Wansbeck we’ve got all the equipment we need, all that’s left is to get the website up and running, which will happen in the New Year. All we want is to be able to pay our wages at first but after that it would be brilliant if we can go on to build a strong fashion brand that is recognised in the market place.”

Keith Raine, Go Wansbeck programme manager, said: “We’re very pleased to be able support Pearl & Bloom Ltd. Rachael and Sylvie are two very promising designers and entrepreneurs and it is fantastic that they have decided to be based in Wansbeck, the enterprise capital of the North East.”

For further information about the business support and advice on offer in Wansbeck visit www.gowansbeck.co.uk or call 01670 842888.

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