Pongees export business has reached a record 30 per cent  – a great achievement given that as recent as five years ago overseas sales represented just about 5 per cent. This increase is due to Pongees joint managing director Nick Moore  exhibiting the collection at specialist exhibitions outside of the UK, France and Germany, the key European locations. Pongees is now a major supplier to designers as far afield as Warsaw, Los Angeles and Dubai and this year Nick has his sights on more Eastern European countries.

“We have seen an increase in interest from buyers from Eastern European attending shows in Paris, Munich and Milan where we have exhibited for many years so we thought it was worth capitalising on this by trying new territories,” explains Moore. “Last year, I had very successful shows in Russia and Poland and will be attending them again this year. We have also added Lithuania to our exhibition calendar."

Growth in exports is being mirrored with an increase in domestic sales and once again Pongees is looking forward to a record year. “Our growth has come not just from existing customers but new business acquired via our new transactional website, as well as from activity created within the refurbished showroom and attendance at Textile Forum, London’s luxury fashion fabric show held in October at One Marylebone,” adds Moore.

“While British politicians are struggling to find an answer to Brexit and future trade deals for the nation, we are going full steam ahead, proactively finding new customers. When it comes to the great colour options, service, price and speedy delivery, we know we have global appeal."