Welcome to 60 seconds with... where we interview a great business every month.
This month, we met with owner of Hawes & Curtis, Touker Suleyman, to get the low-down on his best business advice and highlights in a minute or less.
PayPal (PP): In your own words, can you tell us a bit about your business please?
Touker Suleyman (TS): In 2001, I bought Hawes & Curtis for just £1, taking on all the debt. It was the best investment I have ever made, and today the business is debt free, has 20 stores nationwide and has plans for international expansion. I have developed the brand into other areas beyond shirts, including suits, outerwear and casualwear.
I was attracted to the brand because of its rich heritage. Since the first store opened in 1913, Hawes & Curtis has served many of the best dressed men in the world, including the Duke of Windsor, Cary Grant and Fred Astaire, and it has been awarded four royal warrants. I saw an opportunity to make this iconic British brand great again.
PP: How would you describe your customers?
TS: Our customers appreciate excellent quality at affordable prices. They are men and women between 24 and 55 years of age.
PP: What’s been your biggest highlight?
TS: One of my biggest highlights has been starring in the BBC’s Dragons’ Den. I am a huge fan of Dragons’ Den and I would have loved to have had the opportunity to pitch to the Dragons at the beginning of my career. I am passionate about creating the big brands of tomorrow and I want to support the next generation of UK entrepreneurs.
PP: What would you say is the one thing your business couldn’t function without?
TS: The one thing my business couldn’t function without is a dedicated workforce.
PP: How has the growth of mobile impacted your business?
TS: Almost 50% of sessions derive from mobile now, so it’s incredibly important that we always move with the times to give our customers the best possible experience.
PP: What is your favourite thing about using PayPal?
TS: It’s so easy to use and it’s accepted everywhere.
PP: If you were to give one piece of advice to other businesses, what would it be?
TS: Access to funds is key!
PP: Finally, if you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 things would you take with
you?
TS: I would take my phone, food and water.
PP: Thanks for joining us Touker!