Dugdale Bros & Co., the heritage cloth brand based in Huddersfield, has reported a 14% rise in group turnover following expansion into overseas markets.

Established 122 years ago, the iconic textile company is renowned in the industry for its fine worsted fabrics which it supplies to Savile Row tailors and world leading fashion houses.

Dugdale Bros, which has been targeting overseas markets such as China, Japan, South Korea and Australia, saw a 22% year-on-year increase in turnover from exports.

The company reported significant expansion within the Scandinavian and Asian Pacific markets as a result of new distribution arrangements and the appointment of two full-time employees responsible for export. Last year was also the first year of Dugdales Bros’ partnership with US agent Atlas International Textiles.

With the brand having been taken on by Robert Charnock, chairman, in 2001, Dugdale Bros is the last independently-owned cloth merchant in the centre of Huddersfield.

Charnock said: “2017 was intended to be a year of consolidation for us, following significant internal restructuring initiated by our managing director Simon Glendenning. However, increased activity with a number of notable luxury brands has helped to bolster our figures during this period.

“Dugdale Bros is undoubtedly a company with a significant legacy behind it, which we are dedicated to preserving as we take the business forward. And it is precisely this balance between celebrating our heritage – both in relation to the brand and our town – and strategically targeting new overseas markets, that has enabled us to flourish.”

This year, the company is planning to launch five new lightweight collections aimed at the flourishing Asian markets.

Charnock added: “The expansion of our collections will further boost our market presence, and we’re expecting to see an additional 12% growth this year. The Dugdale Bros brand has truly come of age, and we’re looking forward to more people recognising the value of cloth that has been proudly made in Huddersfield.”

Dugdale Bros supplies its cloths to tailors and distributors around the globe.