Kinky knickers kick off expansion

Headen & Quarmby, which was formed in 1935 by the grandparents of the current Managing Director David Moore (left), is expecting to manufacture more than 400,000 units of its 'Kinky Knickers' range next year after securing contacts with some leading high street retailers. The company said it had "enjoyed massive interest" in its low rise women briefs that are made from Nottingham lace by local apprentices. Liberty UK was the first retail name to back the product, with Asos, Boots, House of Fraser, John Lewis, Selfridges and Marks & Spencer also now stocking the brand. David Moore explained: "The initial contract with Channel 4 and Endemol was to manufacture 5000 units and to achieve this we took eight local unemployed people and trained them to NVQ standards in 'Key Training & Learning'. "Since the media exposure, the country's retailers have really got behind 'Kinky Knickers' and, by the end of this current season, we'll have sent 85,000 units out of the Middleton factory and into stores all over the UK, many already selling out." Headen & Quarmby has been working with Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) associate Tim Iles (right) of TIML on management training and strategy development to withstand competition from low cost competitors, the introduction of new processes, improved workflow, training for machinists and incentive schemes. The company said the improvements ensured it could ramp up production quickly and helped to reduce the time it takes to complete each garment from 12 minutes to 8 and 5 minutes depending on product style. Eventually it hopes to bring more production back to the UK. 'Kinky Knickers' makes up approximately 25% of the Headen & Quarmby business, with the remainder focused on contract manufacturing nightwear and lingerie.