The company, which is almost completely vertical in structure, has also invested considerably in its manufacturing infrastructure and since the beginning of the last recession has launched both its own in-house knitwear division and a new state-of the-art catalogue printing facility.

 

Founder of the British-made fashion brand, David Nieper, and his son, Christopher Nieper, have been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the #

The ECMOD Direct Commerce Awards, now in its 16th year, celebrates the success of home shopping businesses across 25 categories, forming part of the annual ECMOD CatEX DCA industry conference.  The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises outstanding individual contributions to the sector, and has been presented to only eight people in the past, including Angus Thirlwell and Peter Harris of Hotel Chocolat, Chrissie Rucker of The White Company, and Nick Wheeler of Charles Tyrwhitt.

 

Founder of the British-made fashion brand, David Nieper, and his son, Christopher Nieper, have been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the #

As part of the conference, Christopher Nieper took part in a 30-minute live interview with Kate Hills, founder of Make it British – the campaign for UK manufacturing.  The interview titled ‘Best of British’ explored David Nieper’s secrets to success and how the company has continued to manufacture in Britain for over 50 years – whilst so many others have sourced offshore.  

 

Founder of the British-made fashion brand, David Nieper, and his son, Christopher Nieper, have been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the #

Receiving the award, managing director, Christopher Nieper, said:  “It was a huge surprise to receive the award on the night and it's wonderful for our company to be recognised for its longstanding commitment to British-made fashion.

 

Founder of the British-made fashion brand, David Nieper, and his son, Christopher Nieper, have been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the #

“The award is also for my father, the founder of our company and each and every member of staff – many of whom have been with us for over 25 years, it's their skills and commitment which has made the business what it is today.”

 

Founder of the British-made fashion brand, David Nieper, and his son, Christopher Nieper, have been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the #

David Nieper employs 230 highly skilled staff in Alfreton, Derbyshire.  The company is experiencing continued growth, taking on over 40 new staff since the beginning of 2013. 

 

Founder of the British-made fashion brand, David Nieper, and his son, Christopher Nieper, have been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the #