Carlisle Tailoring Firm Wins Prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise
A Carlisle-based tailoring company with more than 160 years of history has received one of the United Kingdom’s highest business honours.
Redmayne 1860, a bespoke tailoring firm now operating from Carlisle, has been awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category. The company was the only business from Cumbria to receive the prestigious recognition this year.
Owned by Tom and Claire Mahon, the tailoring business has built a strong international reputation, with customers across the United States, Europe and Australia. The company specialises in traditional English tailoring, with all garments cut and made in-house.
Claire Mahon said the award was a proud moment for the entire team and for the region’s long-standing tradition of craftsmanship.
“We are absolutely over the moon,” she said, adding that the recognition reflects both the company’s heritage and the dedication of its staff.
The business recently relocated from Wigton to a renovated Georgian townhouse in Carlisle to support its continued expansion and create space for additional employees. The company currently employs nine people and plans to recruit more staff and apprentices in the near future.
Despite the success, Mahon said attracting young people into skilled trades such as tailoring remains a challenge. She called for greater encouragement for school-leavers to consider vocational careers, noting that tailoring can provide rewarding and well-paid opportunities.
Redmayne 1860 has expanded its global reach significantly in recent years, with overseas trade now making up a substantial part of its business. Company representatives are expected to travel extensively this year, including visits to the United States and several European countries.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise are regarded as the UK’s most prestigious business awards, celebrating excellence in areas including international trade, innovation and sustainable development. Winners are permitted to use the award emblem as a mark of quality and achievement.
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