Wales' industrial past has been redefined time and again. One such redefinition comes from Ammanford, where Corgi Hosiery's fifth-generation business brings together the best of traditional craftsmanship and modern sustainable practices.
The brand, founded in 1892, has gracefully evolved from supplying socks to coal miners to establishing itself as a global leader in the luxury knitwear market. Today, as one of the leading employers in Ammanford, it employs 65 people. Corgi Hosiery is more than just a brand—it's a story of Welsh determination, a chronicle of adapting to changing times, and an example of how businesses can grow without compromising their values or quality.
Here, Chris and Lisa, the dynamic sibling duo helming the brand, discuss Corgi Hosiery's remarkable journey, its strides into sustainability and offer advice to budding entrepreneurs.
Tell us about Corgi Hosiery.
At Corgi, we make luxury socks, knitwear and accessories in Wales. Corgi is a family business steeped in a rich heritage that dates back to 1892. The company is a testament to multiple generations' hard work and vision. Our family's ethos has always been about quality, which we've maintained throughout our journey. From providing socks to miners to having a global footprint in luxury knitwear, our growth has been gradual but solid. While we respect and preserve our heritage—some of our products are still made on 19th-century machinery—we've also embraced modern techniques. This balance has allowed us to cater to diverse markets and clientele. Also, a significant part of our success is our loyal staff, many fluent Welsh speakers.
Sustainability is a cornerstone for Corgi Hosiery. How have you incorporated it into the business?
Sustainability for us is holistic. It's not just about the environment but also about sustainable growth, employment and relationships. Environmentally, we've invested in solar power and transitioned from gas to electric boilers, significantly reducing our carbon footprint. Our commitment also extends to our packaging—we've switched from polythene to biodegradable sugar cane bags. We also promote recycling by shredding all onsite cardboard for packaging purposes.
We also believe in sustainable employment and for us this is about maintaining the skills needed to make our products, so we have a business fit for the future. We have invested extensively in training local young people, who then benefit from well-paid, skilled employment.
All these steps underscore our dedication to a more sustainable future.
What challenges have you faced during this transformation?
Every journey has its hurdles. While we're proud of our heritage, modernising some processes was challenging, especially when you're emotionally attached to certain traditional ways of doing things. Balancing tradition with the demands of modern markets was a delicate task, but we believe we've struck the right balance. Also, as we expanded globally, understanding and catering to diverse market preferences was a learning experience.
With the rise of e-commerce, how has Corgi Hosiery adapted?
We recognised the potential of e-commerce and launched our new online shop in 2022. This allowed us to expand our reach globally and provide a better customer experience. Our commitment to customer service ensures that an online customer gets the same experience as someone buying directly from our store.
How has Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP) support helped your business?
The support from Business Wales AGP has been instrumental in our growth, and positioned us well to weather the recent storms of Covid, Brexit-related supply chain issues and the cost-of-living crisis. The programme has been pivotal in helping us focus on our core priorities, allowing us to craft and execute a winning business strategy. With their expertise, we've made huge strides in digital marketing and e-commerce, significantly amplifying our online presence. Furthermore, their insights into production efficiency have allowed us to enhance our output without compromising our commitment to quality.
Beyond our work with the AGP, we've been fortunate to have the backing of the Welsh Government and Development Bank of Wales. The Brexit Resilience grant and COVID recovery support ensured our stability through unpredictable times. Their International Trade support, especially for shows and travel, has significantly bolstered our exporting capabilities, allowing our products to reach global markets more effectively.
What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
1. Remain rooted in your values but be adaptable to change.
2. Sustainable practices are not just ethical—they're also good for business.
3. Your staff is your biggest asset. Value them.
4. Embrace technology, but don't let it overshadow the essence of your brand.
5. Always prioritise quality, and success will follow.
To explore the exquisite range of Corgi Hosiery, visit here.
You can find further information on Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP)