Christopher Simpson

8 Redcliffe Square
London
SW10 9JZ

T: +44 (0)20 7370 2889
M: +44 (0)7772 733312
E: cs@christophersimpson.com

www.christophersimpson.com

“I started to design and make cufflinks in 1990. I had always been interested in design and fashion and really wanted to create my own business. I decided on cufflinks as I thought they were a great creation and expressed one’s individuality. I also felt in 1990 that they were limited in design as one could only really find rather boring designs. So I decided that I wanted to design unique, fun and novel cufflinks.
I first thought of a shotgun cartridge cufflink and a bullet. The inspiration for this came from my father who shoots and loves the countryside. I handled cartridges and thought the shape of a cartridge and a bullet would make a great cufflink. So I went to Hockley in Birmingham, the centre of jewellery manufacturing in England, and banged on doors to find someone to make them for me. After many months I learnt how to make them and met many people who then fulfilled each part of the process to make one pair. i.e. model makers, casters, loss wax process, finishers, bullion dealers, soldering, assembliers, tool makers, injection moulding and platers etc and at what cost.

Once I had my first pairs I went to Jermyn Street in London and went into Harvie and Hudson where they very kindly placed an order for 20 pairs of each. I went into another shop and again received an order. I left Jermyn Street excited knowing I had a business but also knowing I needed finance. I had no money so I called my bank manager at Barclays and made an appointment. I put a business plan together and went to see him. He was brilliant and lent me £10,000 but with the proviso that if I lost the money I would go and work on an North Sea oil rig to pay off the debt ! Fortunately I have grown the business into a successful cufflink company which makes many different unique, fun and contemporary designs which are made in England and which supplies many leading stores all over the country. A unique aspect of my company is that all my cufflink and packaging designs are made in England by craftsmen who have practised their art over many years. I shall always remain thankful to my bank manager’s faith in me and my English suppliers.”