ABOUT HILLY
The Company was formed in 1992, by Dr. Ron Hill, MBE*, the former European and Commonwealth marathon champion. At the time he saw an opportunity to develop a range of technical performance running socks.
With a PhD, in Textile Chemistry, he was able to combine his technical expertise and running background to produce a core range to cater for the needs of the runner.
The range was split into two categories namely: Mono Skin and Twin Skin (both registered trademarks). The Mono Skin (single layer) range included the Marathon Fresh, Off Road and Super Racer Plus (now renamed Lite) and the Twin Skin (double layer), Moisture Management. All four socks have been improved over recent years.
Ron, accompanied by his sons, Steven and Graham and Stockport Harrier, Dean Loxam, developed the business and the range was sold to the specialist running stores by a team of external sales agents (many of whom remain with the company today).
Major developments have included the launch of a complete range of socks, in particular the Mono Skin Supreme – ‘Probably the most technical sock in the world’ and the new Twin Skin range – ‘Probably the best double-layer socks in the world’ In addition, the company now offers a comprehensive range of accessories, including: reflectives, hats, gloves, water carriers, neoprene products and lots, lots, more!
The company has continued to grow and is now one of the UK’s leading brands of technical running socks and accessories.
TIMELINE
2001 – Graham Richards (Wirral A C joined the business as a Director and shareholder. The same year the company launched four new socks to complement the range. Incorporating new design features and technical yarns, the new range was well received and the company began to develop its distribution network.
2003 – The company started to expand its product offering and launched a range of accessories. This was coupled with the range being sold into several European markets.
2004 – The company exhibited ISPO, in Munich, one of the leading trade shows in the world.
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2005 – The company expanded its range of products to cater for the rapidly growing number of females taking up running.
2006 – A significant year for the company. Moving to larger premises in the spring, the demand for the range increased significantly and the company recorded record sales. The continued growth enabled the company to employ new staff, namely: Andrew Dudgeon, as Product Manager (a KTP Associate, in conjunction with Salford University) and Helen Hudson, another Stockport Harrier, (Sales Administration)
The company was also very fortunate to have Becky Lyne working for them on a part-time basis. Becky had a great year winning at bronze medal, in the European Championships and winning the Great North Run Mile Race.
2007 –Further growth saw the appointment of three new members of staff, namely: Thomas Coxon (Product Development), Andrew Nixon, a third Stockport Harrier (Warehouse) and Peter Riley (Marketing). Peter had not only won the national cross country championships in 2006, but was also the first Briton in the London Marathon.
The successful launch of a new range of accessories further established the company as a key brand.
2008 – Record sales and profit for the company progressing the brands growth. The increased development of the business lead to Thomas Coxon being promoted to Marketing Manager.
2009 – The launch of the new phase of Twin Skin taking double layer technology to the next level. Both new socks will be the most technical double layer socks in the world. Synthetic fibre constructions mean that as well as managing moisture, the socks will be durable and quick drying. The Twin Skin range has been the brand's number one sock since the company was formed back in 1992. Building on the successful heritage of the Twin Skin name, Hilly’s design team including Dr Ron Hill MBE worked hard to further improve the features of probably the best double layer socks in the world.
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In April, a significant development was announced:
The Bollin Group is pleased to confirm that they have recently acquired a strategic majority shareholding in Hilly Clothing Ltd. Stephen Cann, CEO of the Bollin Group said “The Hill Family were looking to exit the business, but also wanted to secure continuity of employment for all staff and employees. Having a number of brands based in Hyde, we can guarantee this key element of the deal”.
Dr Ron Hill MBE, who with his family founded the company in 1992, commented, "I feel this is a positive move for Hilly and I am happy to be involved as a technical consultant for the foreseeable future."
Graham Richards, Managing Director of Hilly added; ‘It’s business as usual, the brand continues to grow strongly in its core market of running and will operate independently as do other Bollin Group brands, with separate sales, marketing and product development teams.”
The Company was formed in 1992, by Dr. Ron Hill, MBE*, the former European and Commonwealth marathon champion. At the time he saw an opportunity to develop a range of technical performance running socks.
2008 – Record sales and profit for the company progressing the brands growth. The increased development of the business lead to Thomas Coxon being promoted to Marketing Manager.
2009 – The launch of the new phase of Twin Skin taking double layer technology to the next level. Both new socks will be the most technical double layer socks in the world. Synthetic fibre constructions mean that as well as managing moisture, the socks will be durable and quick drying. The Twin Skin range has been the brand's number one sock since the company was formed back in 1992. Building on the successful heritage of the Twin Skin name, Hilly’s design team including Dr Ron Hill MBE worked hard to further improve the features of probably the best double layer socks in the world.
The Bollin Group is pleased to confirm that they have recently acquired a strategic majority shareholding in Hilly Clothing Ltd. Stephen Cann, CEO of the Bollin Group said “The Hill Family were looking to exit the business, but also wanted to secure continuity of employment for all staff and employees. Having a number of brands based in Hyde, we can guarantee this key element of the deal”.
Dr Ron Hill MBE, who with his family founded the company in 1992, commented, "I feel this is a positive move for Hilly and I am happy to be involved as a technical consultant for the foreseeable future."
Graham Richards, Managing Director of Hilly added; ‘It’s business as usual, the brand continues to grow strongly in its core market of running and will operate independently as do other Bollin Group brands, with separate sales, marketing and product development teams.”