A uniform response is encouraging

UNIFORM designer supplier NKD Clothing has landed four new contracts in the space of a month, belying fears that the hospitality industry is cutting back on spending in the economic downturn.

The deals, which include creating and supplying clothing for 40 staff at the new corporate venue the Glasshouse at Eskmill Events, will initially be worth £30,000 for the Edinburgh-based firm, but the contracts are likely to be extended. NKD Clothing was established in 2002 and was subject to a management buy-out by managing director Gill Eastgate in 2005. Since the MBO, the firm, which has nine staff at its warehouse and office in Canonmills, has doubled its turnover to £1.3 million and plans further to expand the business.

Eastgate said: "We are delighted we have secured these contracts. With all the talk of the economic downturn, it is refreshing to see there is still a great entrepreneurial spirit and drive in the hospitality industry. These are very exciting projects which have fantastic potential."

The new contracts also include supplying uniforms for Aberdeen's new Malmaison Hotel and its sister Hotel du Vin, due to open soon in Edinburgh, as well as supplying 80 uniforms to the recently rebranded Adamo Hotel in Bridge of Allan.