£5m warchest for firm's expansion

Birmingham company Corporatewear UK raised £5 million to fund a major expansion and acquisition.

Managing director Pawan Kenth (pictured) was advised on the fundraising by Midlands investor Paul Bassi, a nonexecutive.

The business, based in Corporate House in Athole Street, Highgate, is rated one of the top 45 in the UK uniforms and corporate wear industry.

Corporatewear UK supplies company uniforms and staff clothing, security uniforms, high visibility work wear, personal protective equipment, foul-weather clothing, leisure wear and safety footwear to a growing bluechip client list across the country.

One of the early pioneers of the Midlands clothing industry, Corporatewear UK has been established since 1958.

Mr Kenth said: "While other companies in the clothing trade have disappeared or contracted we have grown through a policy of investing early in the latest technology, systems and processes, and we operate a continuous improvement policy at all times. "We have raised and set aside an initial £5 million for acquisitions and we are keen to hear from similar businesses where the owners may either be looking to retire, or from companies that would benefit significantly from being able to access the Corporatewear resources."

He said the board was looking to expand the business in the Midlands and develop a major clothing resource and industry in the region.

"That is why we have invested in 15,000 sq ft of business premises in the centre of Birmingham at Highgate, together with a logistics warehouse in Hockley, close to professional advice and located handily for the motorway network to service our clients throughout the UK."

Corporatewear UK already supplies companies in various industries such as Somerfield stores, Floors 2 Go, Duracell, BBC and the Tarmac Group.