Pictured above: Nicky Thomson
A Malvern fashion designer has met the Queen at a special
reception for the British clothing industry in recognition of her
business achievements.
Nicky Thomson designs knitted fashion and interior accessories,
such as scarves, capes, hats, mittens, bags and throws, which are
all made in the UK.
She was invited to the glittering event at Buckingham Palace
following a recommendation from UK Trade & Investment - the
Government body that helps UK companies develop their international
business - to the British Chambers of Commerce.
Famous names from the world of fashion - Twiggy, Sophie Dahl,
Zandra Rhodes, John Rocha, Jeff Banks and many more - were among
the 300 people at the reception.
Nicky said: "I met the Queen and later chatted to the Duke of
Edinburgh, who complimented me on my scarf - one of my
creations.
"It was a fantastic day and I was amazed to receive the
invitation - I couldn't believe it!"
She set up her company, which trades as Nicky Thomson, in 2005,
and has worked with UK Trade & Investment since the early days
of the business.
To date, she has completed the flagship Passport to Export
programme for new exporters and exhibited at a number of
international trade shows with financial support from UK Trade
& Investment. Exports now account for 20 per cent of her
sales.
She also joined a high-profile UK Trade & Investment trade
mission to Japan for British fashion companies last year.
She added: "The support from UK Trade & Investment through
my international trade adviser Paul Thompson has been
great.
"I'm exporting to the USA, Australia and mainland Europe, and
I've just secured my first order in Japan, from a department store,
following the trade mission. I'm very hopeful that this will be the
first of many."
International trade adviser Paul Thompson, based at
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: "I'm so
pleased we were able to help Nicky and she has now been recognised
for her efforts."