A Washington father and son have launched a new British golf and lifestyle clothing brand with ambitions to reach customers around the world.
Brenden Carr, founder of Washington-based engineering company Caztec Group, and his son David are behind FINK, a clothing brand focused on golfwear that can also be worn away from the course.
For Brenden, who has spent more than 25 years developing Caztec Group, the venture has provided an opportunity to build a new business alongside his son.
โIโve always enjoyed building businesses,โ said Brenden. โEngineering has been my business life for over 25 years, but I enjoy creating something new. Being able to do that alongside my son makes this project even more special.โ
Brenden began his career as an apprentice electrician before working in London and on projects across the UK and overseas. After returning to the North East, he established Caztec Group in 2000.
The Washington company now employs 20 people and has delivered specialist engineering projects for organisations including Network Rail, Siemens, Scottish Power, Hitachi and the NHS.
The idea for FINK emerged after Caztec Group began supporting a young North East professional golfer. Brenden and David believed there was an opportunity to develop a British clothing brand combining performance golfwear with everyday style.
The pair spent several months researching the industry, visiting manufacturers and testing fabrics before developing their first collection.
David said: โWe didnโt want to simply put another golf clothing brand into the market. We wanted to create something that had its own identity and represented the standards we believe in.
โEvery detail mattered, from the materials and fit to the design and finish.โ
Working with a Manchester-based fashion designer, the pair created a collection intended to be worn both on and away from the golf course.
The artwork, website development, packaging, marketing and online retail work have all been handled by UK businesses.
โCreating a British brand was important to us,โ Brenden said. โWe wanted UK companies involved throughout the journey and wanted to build something that reflected quality and craftsmanship.โ
FINK is also building its profile through professional golf and currently sponsors two professional golfers who wear its clothing during competitions.
Brenden and David regularly attend golf events and tournaments to meet players, retailers and potential customers.
The initial nine-product collection sold out quickly, according to the company, and has attracted orders from customers in the UK and overseas.
David said: โThe response has been amazing. To see people from the sporting world supporting something we have created together is a huge motivation.โ
Brenden continues to lead Caztec Group while working with David on new FINK collections, retail relationships and future plans for the brand.
โWhether itโs engineering or fashion, the principles are exactly the same,โ Brenden added. โSuccess comes from hard work, consistency and building trust.โ
Photograph captions
Brenden and David Carr: The Washington father and son behind British golf and lifestyle clothing brand FINK. Photograph: The Bigger Picture Agency.
Brenden and David on the golf course: Brenden and David Carr wearing clothing from the FINK collection. Photograph: The Bigger Picture Agency.
With Fay Wheatley: Brenden and David Carr with professional golfer Fay Wheatley. Photograph: The Bigger Picture Agency.
