Charting a course for success with a sailing products company

The Bank has provided debt funding and working capital to support the management buyout of Douglas Gill International (Gill) – the Nottingham based manufacturer of sailing clothing and accessories.

The management buyout has delivered a strong team, which secured growth for three consecutive years in a difficult retail market. The company now aims to develop its brand and increase its international market share.

Company profile

Nick Gill founded Gill in 1975, designing and making technical sailing clothing from his father’s lace factory in Nottingham. Today, the company has revenues of £12 million and employs 44 people at its Long Eaton site.

Gill manufactures a wide range of sailing clothing and accessories, which it exports to over 35 countries worldwide. The company is also the official technical clothing sponsor for the internationally renowned Aberdeen Assets Cowes Week Regatta.

In 2013, with exports reaching over 70% of turnover, Gill won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade.

How will the deal help to drive the business?

“Through the partnership with the Bank, Gill now has all the elements required to develop their products and reach new international markets,” said Ian Mansell, Business Development Director at the Bank.

“The partnership delivers a strong management team, an enviable brand reputation, and the financial backing to succeed in a niche and highly competitive global marketplace. It is a great example of the type of business that will continue to drive the UK’s economic growth.”