Touker Suleyman is a British-Turkish Cypriot fashion retail entrepreneur, investor, and reality television personality. He has a diverse portfolio of businesses that span various industries, showcasing his passion for supporting start-ups and investing in small British companies.
Some of his most well-known ventures include the acquisition of the UK shirt maker Hawes & Curtis in 2001 and the UK fashion label Ghost in 2008. In addition to these, he has also invested in several other companies, such as Tru-Tension, Docks Rio, Intelligent Futures, Personify XP, Huxley & Cox, and Bikesoup.
With his keen business acumen and strategic leadership, Touker Suleyman has turned around struggling companies, safeguarded jobs, and successfully grown businesses within the fashion industry and beyond.
Key Takeaways:
- Touker Suleyman owns a diverse portfolio of businesses in various industries.
- His notable acquisitions include Hawes & Curtis and Ghost.
- He has invested in start-ups and small British companies.
- Touker Suleyman has a successful track record of turning around struggling companies.
- His business ventures showcase his passion for supporting and growing businesses.
Hawes & Curtis
Touker Suleyman acquired Hawes & Curtis, a renowned British shirt maker, in 2001. At the time of acquisition, the company was facing financial difficulties, but Suleyman’s expertise and leadership turned the business around. Under his guidance, turnover at Hawes & Curtis experienced significant growth, increasing from £600,000 in 2001 to £30 million in 2014.
Hawes & Curtis is known for its expertise in formalwear and has become a staple in the wardrobes of many iconic figures. The brand operates from 30 branches across the UK and has expanded internationally with a store in Cologne, Germany. Additionally, Hawes & Curtis has recently entered into a partnership with UAE investment group Korath Holding to open 26 stores in the Gulf region. This strategic collaboration further solidifies the brand’s global presence.
With a focus on timeless elegance, Hawes & Curtis continues to excel in providing high-quality shirts and formal attire. The brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail have garnered a loyal customer base. As a result of Touker Suleyman’s acquisition and strategic leadership, Hawes & Curtis has successfully positioned itself as a premier fashion label in the industry.
Brand | Turnover in £ (2001) | Turnover in £ (2014) | Number of Branches (UK) | Number of Branches (International) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hawes & Curtis | 600,000 | 30,000,000 | 30 | 1 (Cologne, Germany) |
Ghost
Touker Suleyman’s portfolio of business ventures extends beyond his successful acquisition of Hawes & Curtis. In 2008, Suleyman made another notable purchase, this time in the fashion industry. He acquired the well-known UK fashion label, Ghost. The acquisition came at a critical time for the brand, as its previous owner, an Icelandic investment fund, had cut its investment following the collapse of the Icelandic banking market.
Suleyman’s purchase of Ghost not only saved the brand from potential closure but also safeguarded the jobs of 142 employees within the company. Since the acquisition, Ghost has continued to thrive under Suleyman’s ownership, maintaining a loyal customer base. The label is renowned for its women’s fashion, offering elegant and stylish pieces that resonate with its clientele.
Growth and Collaborations
Under Touker Suleyman’s leadership, Ghost has experienced growth and success in the highly competitive fashion industry. The label has expanded its offerings and collaborated with esteemed design duo Modernist in 2009, resulting in a highly successful collaboration collection. This partnership allowed Ghost to further solidify its position as a sought-after brand in the fashion market.
With Suleyman’s keen eye for investment opportunities and his commitment to supporting British companies, Ghost continues to thrive as a prominent fashion label in the UK and beyond. The brand’s success is a testament to Suleyman’s business acumen and his ability to navigate challenges within the industry.
Key Highlights | Description |
---|---|
Year of Acquisition | 2008 |
Previous Owner | Icelandic investment fund |
Number of Saved Jobs | 142 |
Main Product Line | Women’s fashion |
Successful Collaboration | Modernist (2009) |
Other Investments
In addition to Hawes & Curtis and Ghost, I have had the opportunity to invest in a variety of companies across different industries. These investments reflect my passion for supporting start-ups and small British businesses.
One of my notable investments is Tru-Tension, a brand that specializes in motorcycle and cycling accessories. They offer innovative products that enhance the performance and maintenance of motorcycles and bicycles.
Another investment of mine is Docks Rio, a casual boat shoe brand. They create stylish and comfortable shoes that are perfect for any casual occasion, especially when spending time by the water.
I have also invested in Intelligent Futures, an exciting online advertising start-up that focuses on data-driven marketing strategies. They harness the power of technology and analytics to help businesses optimize their advertising efforts.
Additionally, I have supported Personify XP, an AI personalization start-up. They utilize artificial intelligence to create personalized customer experiences, helping businesses deliver tailored content and recommendations to their audience.
Huxley & Cox is another company I have invested in. They are a luxury handbag manufacturer that produces high-quality, beautifully crafted bags. Their attention to detail and exquisite designs make them a sought-after brand.
Lastly, I have invested in Bikesoup, an online marketplace for bicycles. They provide a platform for individuals and businesses to buy and sell new and used bikes, catering to cycling enthusiasts of all levels.
These diverse investments showcase my commitment to supporting entrepreneurial ventures and contributing to the growth of the British business landscape.
FAQ
What companies does Touker Suleyman own?
Touker Suleyman owns several companies, including Hawes & Curtis, Ghost, Tru-Tension, Docks Rio, Intelligent Futures, Personify XP, Huxley & Cox, and Bikesoup.
What is Hawes & Curtis?
Hawes & Curtis is a renowned British menswear brand that was acquired by Touker Suleyman in 2001. It specializes in formalwear and has grown significantly under Suleyman’s leadership. The brand operates from 30 branches in the UK and one in Cologne, Germany, and has plans to expand further in the Gulf region.
What is Ghost?
Ghost is a well-known UK fashion label that Touker Suleyman purchased in 2008. The brand focuses on women’s fashion and has a loyal customer base. Suleyman’s acquisition of Ghost safeguarded jobs within the company, and it has continued to thrive under his ownership.
What other investments has Touker Suleyman made?
In addition to Hawes & Curtis and Ghost, Touker Suleyman has invested in several other companies. These include Tru-Tension, a motorcycle and cycling brand, Docks Rio, a casual boat shoe brand, Intelligent Futures, an online advertising start-up, Personify XP, an AI personalization start-up, Huxley & Cox, a luxury handbag manufacturer, and Bikesoup, an online marketplace for bicycles. Suleyman’s diverse portfolio reflects his interest in supporting start-ups and investing in small British companies.