New swimwear company wins approval from Richard Branson

Virgin mogul, Sir Richard Branson ensured the launch a North East company went swimmingly by becoming their first ever customer.

Swimwear specialists, Baggers Originals was launched by mother and daughter team Angela and Jessica McLean this month.

Branson bought the first set that Baggers, who specialise in rainwear and swimwear, had for sale and tweeted ‘You saw them here first – could now be stocked on Virgin Atlantic or on Necker Island’.

The company met Branson at an event he was hosting last month at the Virgin Money Head Office in Newcastle and following his interest have employed recent Fashion graduate Amy Whitfield from the University of Leeds.

Amy is designing the colourways and print for the swimwear which will be dual branded as Baggers at Neckar Island.

The swimwear will keep the unique and signatory design of the Baggers range, folding into an inside waterproof pocket to keep the wet clothing contained.

Commercial Director Jessica McLean said, “It was a great testimonial to our product range that Sir Richard Branson bought the first ever set and we are delighted.

“Apart from “loving” the products he said that the way our products fold into their own attached pocket was ingenious.

“To get this sort of recognition at this early stage of our business is brilliant.

“We are thrilled with our online sales to date and have had some amazing testimonials from customers and bloggers”.

Baggers Originals, who are in the final stages of a deal to sell a 19,000 unit order of their rainwear to a global retailer are also selling online, into smaller retailers and already exporting to Ireland.

They are developing a range of rainwear for teens and adults including the Mummy Mac and Man Baggers and will shortly be selling accessories from their website.

They will also feature in an exhibition showcasing innovative and inspirational businesses in the North East in Newcastle Library, from May 24 to June 26, called ‘Inventing the 21st Century’.