7:48pm Monday 8th December 2008
By James Rush
World-famous pram-maker Silver Cross has announced plans for development after it rose nine places to claim third spot in the national Fast Track 100 list.
The company, which operates from Skipton, has seen an annual sales growth of 179.46 per cent to be named the third-fastest growing UK private company in this year’s Sunday Times list.
But chairman Alan Halsall said the company had plans to expand further in the Far East and hopes to have its first product in a major retailer’s stores throughout the US early next year.
The company has been endorsed by a number of celebrity mums who have been spotted with some of their traditional-looking products.
Stars such as Britney Spears, Angelina Jolie and Madonna have all recently been seen with Silver Cross prams, something which Mr Halsall believes has helped the company no end.
The Lifestyle range, which includes prams, buggies and child seats, is already made in China, while the company’s Heritage range is still made in Yorkshire.
Mr Halsall said the reason for the company’s remarkable success in this period of uncertainty was down to the people working in the business and its proud name.
He said: “We are absolutely delighted with where we are in the list, although it has absolutely nothing to do with me but everything to do with the team we have at Silver Cross.
“Don’t forget this is a re-birth of a company – this is a fantastic brand and our appeal continues.”
The Virgin Fast Track 100 list, published on Sunday, provides a snapshot of Britain’s fastest-growing private companies taken immediately before the most recent upheavals.
Mr Halsall said continued growth would be difficult.
He said: “It won’t be easy to grow in the future, because as you get bigger it becomes harder to continue to keep up this great growth rate.”
But the company does have plans for future lines including a range of nursery toys for 2009, as well as a new Halo stroller and a Halo rocker.
Mr Halsall said: “Major investment is coming to fruition in 2009 with new products.
“This Yorkshire company is moving forward – we know there’s a recession on and we know we have to be careful, but there are fantastic opportunities because we have got a great brand name and a great team of people.
“We have to offer great British design, backed up by a great brand name but also offer brilliant value for money.
“In the present economic climate offering value for money is more important than ever.”
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