Julian Osborne, a former brand management employee, and Sam Mantle, an operations manager, took a leap of faith and left their comfortable 9-to-5 lives to launch Batch LDN, a fashion brand that has since blossomed into a £3 million empire. The story of Batch LDN is a testament to the power of friendship, passion, and a shared dream.
Their journey began a few years ago, fueled by a shared love for clubbing and a determination to build a fulfilling future. Both friends, who met at university, understood the value of hard work and were driven to make their mark on the world. Batch LDN specializes in casual, lifetime investment suits that prioritize sustainability and affordability. Unlike traditional high-end suits that often cost upwards of £800, Batch LDN offers stylish, quality suits starting at just £395.
Julian, who always had a keen eye for fashion, explained, “From a young age, I had a passion for fashion. I went through all the typical teenage phases, from dressing in an emo-style with skinny red jeans and Vans to wearing Topman buttoned-up polo shirts. I always wanted to spend more on clothes but had to work within a tight budget. Turning this passion into a career is a dream come true.”
Despite facing initial doubts and skepticism from those around them, Julian and Sam remained resolute in their vision. “You’ll always meet people who question your ideas,” Julian said, “but what matters is how you handle those opinions.”
Sam, who initially harbored dreams of becoming an F1 driver, embraced entrepreneurship after university. Both friends gained valuable experience at different startups, honing their skills in marketing, finance, and the startup world. They were drawn to the idea of a more balanced work-life harmony, something that traditional jobs hadn’t provided.
“I was a bit nervous about starting a business with one of my best friends,” Julian admitted, “but we complement each other perfectly. Sam is more of a thinker, and I’m more of a doer. Our close relationship also makes us more accountable for our actions. It’s harder to be a bad friend than a bad colleague. This respect for each other translates directly into the business.”
The duo started with self-funding, pooling their savings and securing modest loans from family, including contributions from Sam’s father and Julian’s grandmother. The journey wasn’t easy, and they faced challenges in finding a production partner capable of crafting their vision and a designer who could translate their ideas into reality.
But why suits? Julian explained their reasoning, “The traditional suit has become outdated. Our goal was to create a product that solves the problem of what to wear when you want to look good. We’ve all been there; wardrobe paralysis is a real thing. This is a suit you know you’re going to get compliments on, and it’s more affordable.”
“Sam and I wouldn’t have considered ourselves conscious shoppers before, but we wanted to create a way for people like us to shop more sustainably. Sustainability isn’t always a strong enough motivator to buy clothes, so we’ve combined this factor with price and quality.”
Batch LDN’s suits are made-to-order, with a delivery time of up to eight weeks. This approach, the duo explains, reduces waste, overproduction, and dead stock, resulting in lower costs that are passed on to customers. They cater to both men and women, from ages 17 to 70, selling online and in their flagship store, which is soon moving to London’s Covent Garden.
This financial year, they’re on track to reach £400,000 in revenue – their highest earnings to date – and will soon be expanding their offerings with a collection of overcoats. Their long-term vision is to expand into the US, continue developing their core range, and grow their current team of five.
For those looking to follow in their footsteps, Julian offered this advice: “Make sure your business solves a problem and has a good story behind it. If you have the resources, just go for it. But having experience working under others first is important. Be patient and don’t expect success overnight.”
“If Batch LDN was to fail tomorrow, I’d still be delighted with how far we’ve come. Work doesn’t have to be everything – learn to enjoy life and don’t take it too seriously. Success can fit in around you. We’re just getting started.”
