Regatta
United Kingdom
Regatta is a family owned British outdoor clothing company based in Trafford Park, Manchester, best known for affordable waterproof jackets. Its company site says Lionel Black bought Risol Products in 1977 and that the Regatta name arrived in 1982.
| Founder | Lionel Black |
|---|---|
| Name adopted | 1982 |
| Ownership | Family owned |
| Headquarters | Trafford Park, Manchester |
| Known for | Waterproof jackets |
| Website | regatta.com |
What is Regatta?
Regatta makes outdoor clothing, with waterproof jackets as a core product, and also sells workwear and the Dare2b ski brand. It describes itself as a family company at heart.
History
According to the company's about page, Lionel Black bought Risol Products in 1977, a six employee wholesaler supplying workwear and footwear to army and navy shops. In 1982 Risol bought a cancelled order of sailing themed jackets bearing the Regatta name, which sold well. In 1987 the Regatta Jacket won a WHICH? award for best waterproof jacket, and Risol then focused on the Regatta brand alone. It officially became Regatta in the mid 1990s.
Leadership and ownership
Lionel Black's son Keith Black succeeded him in 1981 and is chief executive, and his daughter Jo Black joined later, improving buying and leading sustainability work. The company is family owned, though the page does not detail the structure.
Products and positioning
Regatta sits in the value to mid-market outdoor segment, with family friendly pricing. The Dare2b ski brand launched in 2000, and workwear expanded into Europe after a foot and mouth outbreak hurt army and navy store sales in 2001.
Business model and distribution
The company is headquartered in Trafford Park, Manchester, and had a European presence in France, Germany, Holland, Belgium and Spain from the early 2000s. Detailed channel breakdowns are not given in the sources consulted.
Why it matters
Regatta is a rare large scale British outdoor group that remains family run, and it also owns other labels in the sector.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Regatta?
Regatta is described on its own site as a family company. Keith Black is chief executive and Jo Black is also involved in the business.
Where is Regatta from?
Regatta is a British brand based in Trafford Park, Manchester. The Regatta name arrived in 1982 under Lionel Black's Risol business.