In a move he describes as going “back to my roots,” Mark Tomlin has joined Bespoke 77 Innovations as managing director. The ex-chef and restaurateur has been working in the clothing industry as Somerbond’s licensing director for fashion apparel for the past 18 years.
Established in 1977, Bespoke 77 is an expert in taylor-made products such as ceramics, woodware and tableware for leading retailers and restaurants. The company has worked with Harrods, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Fortnum & Mason supplying bespoke products including Stilton and Welsh Rarebit Pots and cheese plates. The company recently worked with the Cropwell Bishop brand of stilton cheese.
Mark says of Bespoke 77: “Leveraging brand and entertainment franchises, our mission is to develop and make available exceptional, innovative, bespoke products to fulfil the growing demand for more inter-individual merchandise.”
He emphasises the importance of environmental concerns, stating that: “ Key to our success will be ethical and technical compliance, sustainability, and degradability of materials as well as minimising our carbon footprint when sourcing.”
In his new role, Mark is keen to embrace the “ever growing challenges” that retailing presents, recognising the importance of both relevant retail experience and ecommerce.
Mark comments on the synergies between his different fields of work: “The simple fact is that you decide often if you desire something from a first glance. Weather the item is food, apparel or homeware: you have decided if you like it before you have tasted it.”
He concludes: “I feel I have travelled full circle and am now working with products that I feel most passionately about. I have finally travelled back to my roots and am working in the wonderful world of food and related products.”
Top: Ceramics being made by one of Bespoke 77’s manufacturing partners in Portugal.
