GROWN WITH PASSION
Passion, Belief and Hard Work
THE FULL STORY (so far)
↓
Colmore Tailors was established in 2015 by Tailoring Specialist Scott Caddick. Having worked for other tailors and a well known tailoring brand what became apparent was how little passion and knowledge they displayed. Often garments were handed over that just didn’t feel right, yet the staff didn’t have the answers. He was struck by the industries “smoke and mirrors” approach and how imported garments were packaged as “made in the UK”. After much soul searching and chastising by his girlfriend he knew there was a better way.
We started with a simple mission.
To be open, honest and constantly strive to improve and learn. And to make classical, flexible and timeless bespoke menswear.
A HUMBLE START (the home office)
This crazy little idea started in a back backroom in 2015. Well in truth it started in the living room and kitchen until it become utterly apparent that his girlfriend would quite like the space back.
Our first clients were from the citi’s legal and professional sectors. With our very first client still being a client, and friend, to this day.
Colmore Tailors began to grow organically through word of mouth and referrals as Birmingham’s first, and only “out of hours” tailors. We worked the hours when you were free. To begin with, this was a slow and deliberate process, to allow us to focus purely on the client and to keep refining the garment and fit. This also worked hand in hand with Scott working a full-day job, to allow the company to grow at its own pace and not have the pressure of chasing turnover. We looked to gain experience and information more than numbers and figures and kept learning and studying as we went along. The plan was to keep improving, always,
Having worked in offices for numerous years Scott knew that most cloth used on high street suits wasn’t up to the challenge of daily wear. So using his day job he trialled and hammered different cloth to get the best feedback. One merchant’s fabric stood out as the highest quality, Dugdale Brothers.
VISIT TO DUGDALES
We visited Dugdale Brothers at the home of cloth, Huddersfield. We spent the day with the owner Rob and they got on board with our project.
Our belief in honest people and long relationships means we now count them as friends as well as trusted partners
Our growth continued and our style started to change. Whereas we started off with an English suit with a moderate amount of padding, we were now gravitating towards a softer more Italian style. The ease of movement, nonchalant charm and utter style was winning us over. In early 2017 we took the decision to move our making to Portugal. Whenever we sampled English makers the suits were too stiff, too rigid, too military. As soon as we sampled a suit made in a warmer climate it was a dream. Pairing this softly crafted make with robust cloth gives us one hell of a suit. The cloth does the work, the pattern and make does the movement. A winning formula.
Midway through 2017 and our friends over at Rosen & Nathan offer us some workspace at their workshop in the city. Working a full-time job and running a business was becoming unsustainable as we were just too busy. So we quit the day job and Colmore Tailors became a full time business with its first premise. We also took the decision to put our roots down in the city so moved from a visiting tailor service, to a fixed premise. It allowed us to more efficient with our time, see more people and give a higher quality garment. We now have sample suits in every size to hand, 60+ bunches of cloth available, large fitting area and mirrors etc. The improvements continued.
FIRST PREMISES
A lick of paint & a days graft and we are ready to go.
Cannon Street was our first home in Birmingham and none of this would be possible without the legend, Alan Boardman. My good friend who taught us a lot and gave us the confidence in our skills.
Again, we continue to grow organically. Being based in the city is a major plus point, but the lease meant we couldn’t open after midday at weekends. After 18 months we knew we had to have our own home, with weekend opening hours and our own stamp. In February 2019 we moved to our current home on Temple Street. We were able to open all day on Saturdays and provide clients with a place that was in our own vision.
We added more merchants to our cloth suppliers. Loro Piana, Standeven and Brisbane Moss. We launched more casual items, overshirts and chinos. We started to build a bespoke tailoring company that made more than just suits. We expanded tailoring into other products
In 2020 our suite at room 206 was again too small. This was becoming a common problem. But one we had planned for. The adjacent room has a link door and was perfect for expansion. We expanded the office and doubled the floor space, offering 2 distinct areas. We now have one suite with a seating area, sample garments, coffee machine and cold drinks. Its an area to relax in and familiarise yourself with the brand. An area to socialise in and discuss your requirements and styles. The second room is a private fitting room with even more sample suits and try-ons.
When we look back its crazy how we have grown, but we couldn’t do it without you all. Our clients and friends are our business. We are nothing without them and we owe them the world. We promise to keep improving, listening and trying our best to make you happy.
Our Home
You can now find us at Cheltenham House on Temple Street in Birmingham. Our second floor home give us the perfect blend of privacy and style, right here in the heart of the city.
A large seating and consultation area, coffee station, display rails and mannequins a plenty. But as always, more to learn and do!
“
I have bought two suits from Colmore Tailors and they are superb. I would highly recommended them to anyone. The service is first rate and the price for a perfect, tailor made suit, that is of the highest quality, is unbeatable in my opinion.”
