News / Boost for knitwear company
A HOSWICK based knitwear company is to receive £29,000 of public money to help grow the business and expand into new markets.
Part of an £80,000 project to expand Nielanell Inventive Knit, owner Niela Kalra hopes to boost sales in the UK as well as reach new markets in the USA and Far East.
Since moving to Shetland to start her business, her inventive knitwear designs, known for their vibrant colour and texture combinations, sell widely to local people and visitors to the island.
As part of this project, the range at Nielanell will also be expanding online.
David Priest of Highlands and Enterprise (HIE) Shetland said the development agency recognised that Nielanell had significant growth potential.
“This is a great initiative to expand the business in international markets. There are many opportunities for Highlands and Islands textile businesses if they can make the connections with wholesalers abroad, in particular in Japan and North America,” he said.
Niela Kalra said she was delighted to receive support from HIE Shetland.
“The creative industry sector in Shetland is going from strength to strength, and I am excited to be part of that movement,” she said.
“I have been lucky to get commissions from outside Shetland, and I would like to nurture these opportunities as they, in turn, translate into increased sales.”
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