Brenden Carr, founder of Tyne & Wear based-based electrical services company Caztec Group, and his son David are the driving force behind FINK – a new clothing brand built around quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail.
For Brenden, who has spent more than 25 years building a successful engineering company, the opportunity to work alongside his son on a new venture has created a different kind of business challenge.
“I’ve always enjoyed building businesses,” said Brenden. “Engineering has been my business life for over 25 years, but I enjoy creating something new. Being able to do that alongside my son makes this project even more special.”
Brenden began his career as an apprentice electrician before spending eight years working in London and on projects across the UK and overseas. Returning to the North East, he established Caztec Group in 2000 and grew the business into a respected engineering company employing 20 people and delivering specialist projects for organisations including Network Rail, Siemens, Scottish Power, Hitachi and the NHS.
His success in engineering has been built on the same principles that now underpin FINK – precision, reliability and refusing to compromise on quality.
The idea for the brand came after Caztec Group began supporting a young professional golfer from the local area. Brenden and David recognised an opportunity to create something different in the golf clothing market – a premium British brand that combined performance, style and quality.
The Carrs have spent months researching the industry, travelling internationally, meeting manufacturers and testing fabrics before selecting the partners who could bring their vision to life.
David said: “We didn’t want to simply put another golf clothing brand into the market. We wanted to create something that had its own identity and represented the standards we believe in. Every detail mattered, from the materials and fit to the design and finish. We wanted people to pick up a FINK garment and immediately recognise the quality.”
“Brenden has years of business experience and a deep understanding of customers,” added David. “I’ve brought a different perspective, and together we’ve been able to complement each other’s strengths. It’s been a great opportunity to work together and learn from each other. Building something from the ground up is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.”
Working with an experienced fashion designer based in Manchester, FINK has created a collection designed to perform on the golf course while also fitting naturally into everyday life. The company has also made a conscious decision to keep every element of the brand UK-based, including artwork, website development, packaging, marketing and online retail.
“Creating a British brand was important to us,” explained Brenden. “We wanted UK companies involved throughout the journey and wanted to build something that reflected quality and craftsmanship.”
Rather than relying on traditional advertising, FINK is growing its profile through professional golf. The company sponsors two professional golfers – Will Marshall on the Tartan Pro Tour and disabled golfer David Stocks on the EDGA Tour – who wear the brand during competitions, helping introduce the collection to audiences in the UK and overseas.
Brenden and David also attend golfing events and tournaments, meeting players, retailers and industry professionals while allowing customers to experience the quality of the garments first-hand.
“Golf attracts people who appreciate quality products and attention to detail,” said Brenden. “It is the perfect environment for introducing people to FINK.”
The launch collection of nine products has already generated significant interest, selling out quickly and attracting orders from customers around the world. The brand has also received support from high-profile sportspeople, with Premier League footballers, professional golfers and England cricketers among those wearing the collection.
“The response has been amazing,” said David. “To see people from the sporting world supporting something we have created together is a huge motivation and shows we are building something people believe in.”
Although Brenden continues to lead Caztec Group, much of his spare time is now dedicated to developing FINK alongside David, planning future collections, attending events and building relationships with customers and retailers.
“Whether it’s engineering or fashion, the principles are exactly the same,” said Brenden. “Success comes from hard work, consistency and building trust.”
For more information and to view the full range of FINK apparel, visit www.finkgolfwear.com