Clevedon fashion boutique designed for success

A Clevedon businesswoman is set to develop her women’s clothing company after purchasing the business premises using funding from a high street bank.

Pale Blue Clothing, on Hill Road in Clevedon, was set up by Jane Brake in September 2009 following the success of her first local business, bespoke gift shop Estuary, which opened in November 2006.

The clothes boutique offers a range of both casual and formal women’s fashion and accessories sourced from a variety of small, individual manufacturers. Suppliers are based both abroad and in the UK, and include well-known brands Joules and Cornwall-based Seasalt.

Jane had been leasing the business premises for over a year when the opportunity to buy it arose at the beginning of February. She approached her banking partner, which provided the loan needed to complete the acquisition.

Having purchased the premises, the company is set to grow further and at the end of March will launch The Linen Room, an extension of Pale Blue Clothing selling lightweight summerwear.

Having secured the future of Pale Blue Clothing, Jane has recently embarked on her third business venture, furniture and home interiors shop Le Maison, which opened in Clevedon in January. As a result of this expansion, the three businesses combined now employ seven people across the area.  

Jane Brake said: “After renting the property for over a year, the opportunity to purchase Pale Blue’s premises and add stability to the business was one I couldn’t pass up. The success enjoyed by the company in its first year gave me the confidence to approach the bank and subsequently make the investment.

“The location of the site is ideal, as with its range of shops, restaurants and pier, Hill Road attracts not only a local client base but customers from throughout Bristol and Somerset. I look forward to developing the business further here with the opening of The Linen Room this spring.

“The knowledge and guidance provided by my bank has ensured that the process of purchasing the premises has been as simple as possible. The ongoing support from my Relationship Manager has meant that I have also been able to concentrate on diversifying my businesses with the launch of Le Maison.”

The bank’s Relationship Manager said: “Providing the funding for the purchase of the property has given Jane the security she needs to further develop the business, and Pale Blue Clothing is now set for increased success in 2011.

“Jane is a great businesswoman who really understands the opportunities that diversifying a business and its products can bring. The ongoing development of Pale Blue Clothing, in addition to the recent opening of Le Maison, is a great way to attract new clientele and increase revenue.

“Our bank is committed to helping small businesses such as Pale Blue Clothing by providing the funding and support they need to grow.”