HOC – From a Failed Brand Service to a Successful Product Launch

Client: Matt & Elisha, founders of Houldsworth of Cheltenham - a luxury racehorse designer clothing brand in the heart of the Cotswolds. Project Type: Product development, manufacturing & launch rescue Stage: Pre-launch

The Challenge

Matt & Elisha had a bad experience with an alternative brand-building company who promised the world but didn’t deliver whilst they were trying to develop their signature embroidered polo over a year. They were left with no samples, no production, and no clear path forward.

By the time they were referred to us, their confidence was shaken and they needed a partner who could actually deliver.

What We Did

• Strategy: Created a complete product development and launch blueprint, mapping every step from design to delivery.
• Design & Development: Developed detailed tech specs to guide production, including embroidery files, trims, and transfers.
• Manufacturing: Identified and vetted manufacturing partners willing to work with lower-than-industry-standard quantities whilst meeting quality and ethical standards.
• Launch: Guided and coordinated the full production run through to a successful launch.

The Result

Matt & Elisha went from a stalled false start to a fully launched product - with samples in hand within one month, finished products two months later, and a brand ready to grow. What had felt impossible just months earlier became a confident, coordinated launch. HOC is now scaling their menswear line with us.