BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
The British cycling apparel brand Vulpine is seeking capital investment to expand the business, and as part of that process has expanded its management team.
Managing director Nick Hussey founded the company in March 2012. "I’ve realised just how limiting it is for Vulpine to be so reliant on me. It’s been frustrating, because we’ve just not been able to grab the opportunities at hand," he said.
Expanding the management team will help the fast-growing company logisically and could also prove attractive to new investors.
Joining from swimwear brand Orlebar Brown is Irfan Harris, as financial director. Harris said: "I was struck by Nick’s huge energy and determination. He’s fun to work with and gets things done."
Atlantic rower and ultra distance cyclist Ben Gothard joins from online furniture retailer Made.com as operations director. Hussey said: "Ben will run the company and plan its growth. We’ve been talking for over a year, he’s a huge fan of the brand, and I of him. His wide retail and commerce experience is invaluable."
Roadie and endurance runner Polly Farrington – pictured – is promoted internally from digital marketing and insight manager to general manager. Hussey said: "Polly joined us just over a year ago and has an amazing head for management. We hoped she’d go far, and she is. It’s great to be able to reward her so quickly."
Hussey believes that with this team in place, Vulpine could raise capital investment to fuel and sustain the company’s growth.
"There’s a lot of excitement around us, which is extremely flattering," said Hussey. "We’re under-resourced – running out of stock is a constant issue. This team can help me realise our next stage, where we are properly capitalised and resourced."
