Outdoor clothing brand cruises into Top 10 spot among fastest growing founder-led businesses

It’s been nothing but success for Passenger Clothing over the last couple of years, as the New Forest brand has snagged a number eight spot on this year’s Growth 100 from FEBE.

Still guided by Richard and Alexa Sutcliffe after more than a decade in business, Passenger shares the list with a whole host of founder-led companies across the country, dealing in everything from marketing to morph suits.

The brand offers a variety of outdoor clothing and accessories, with more than 90 per cent of its range made using responsible and recycled materials.

It has also pledged to plant a new tree for each order as part of The Rainforest Trust’s Conservation Circle and its own Plant & Protect initiatives.

Richard, pictured left, said: “I’m passionate about where we’re heading – giving back, protecting our playgrounds, and leaving the smallest footprint.

“We create products that enable a life of meaningful escapism using more responsible materials and mindful processes.

“We’re always challenging ourselves, every day, and we have so much more to do. Exciting things on the horizon.”

Passenger earned its place on the list with an impressive two-year compound annual growth rate in sales of 222.05 per cent, with latest sales figures at £18,555 and a workforce of 65 staff.

Also representing Hampshire on the Growth 100 are fellow New Forest business LeMieux, whose popular equestrian products have earned them sales growth of 59.69 per cent as of April 2022.

• See our interview with LeMieux’s managing director Dan Mahoney, who put the company’s meteoric growth in recent years down to their diverse team and a particularly eye-catching USP.