Wolf London, a men’s equestrian clothing brand, secured £20,000 to expand its operations.
- Founder Andre Gardiner aims to address the lack of diversity in men’s equestrian clothing.
- Gardiner received funding through a Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank.
- The funding will be used for production, storage, and design initiatives.
- Gardiner plans to support UK manufacturing and enhance product accessibility.
In a significant development for the men’s equestrian apparel sector, Wolf London has successfully secured £20,000 to facilitate the expansion of its offerings. This Cotswold-based brand, founded by Andre Gardiner in 2022, aims to fill a noticeable gap in the market for men’s equestrian clothing.
Andre Gardiner, a competitive eventer and show jumper, was motivated to start Wolf London due to the limited options available for men in the equestrian apparel market, which he described as ‘restricted’ and predominantly traditional. His vision was to innovate by merging contemporary fashion with equestrian wear, targeting modern consumers.
The funding was acquired through a Start Up Loan provided by the British Business Bank, an initiative bolstered by business support partner X-Forces Enterprise, largely due to Gardiner’s familial military connections. This financial backing is not merely a fiscal stepping stone but also brings with it essential business mentorship, which Gardiner considers invaluable.
With the acquired funding, Wolf London plans to enlarge its stock, enhance storage capabilities, and invest in branding through commissioned photography and bespoke shipping boxes. Andre Gardiner runs the business alongside his principal career as a project manager, receiving significant help from his partner and mother.
Gardiner moves across the United Kingdom to promote his products at various equestrian events, such as the recent Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials. His ambition to procure a horse box aims to further facilitate onsite sales at such events. Additionally, he holds a strong desire to manufacture within the UK, thereby supporting the local economy.
Andre Gardiner’s initiative with Wolf London signifies an important step towards diversifying men’s equestrian fashion and bolstering UK-made products.