Mamas & Papas
Location: Huddersfield
A nursery business that's grown up
For a family-owned business that began in 1981 as an independent nursery specialist, it's hardly surprising that 'family' is the company's core philosophy.
Today Mamas & Papas is one of the world's biggest names in nursery retail, maternity fashion and baby wear - a superbrand, favoured by celebrity mums around the globe, including Denise van Outen, Tess Daly, Dannii Minogue and Gwen Stefani.
In addition to supplying national retailers, such as Next, John Lewis Partnership and Saks 5th Avenue, the company operates its own stores. With 41 UK Mamas & Papas outlets and 15 franchised stores in the Middle East, Mamas & Papas employs 1,200 staff worldwide, including 450 at the Huddersfield headquarters.
A business with family at its heart
The idea for Mamas & Papas was born when founders, Luisa and David Scacchetti, were preparing for the birth of their first child, Amanda. Unable to find the products they wanted in the UK and inspired by their Italian heritage, the couple created Mamas & Papas to fill a gap in the nursery industry market for fashionable, quality products. Almost 30 years later, Amanda is now head of design and her younger sister Olivia, head of creative.
This family philosophy extends to the company's employees. When Mamas & Papas moved to its purpose-built warehousing facility it chose to remain in Huddersfield and retain its loyal and skilled workforce.
Working with the community
As a Huddersfield company, Mamas & Papas is committed to encouraging the development of local design talent and has strong associations with the university. It also enjoys a close working relationship with Kirklees Council.
"Becoming a Kirklees Key Account in June 2008 really strengthened our relationship with the Council. They've provided us with access to support agencies, such as Yorkshire Forward, giving us the opportunity to access funding and international trade contacts," said operations director, Richard Spychalski.
Having recently agreed a £20 million investment programme, Mamas & Papas anticipates that its long term expansion plans will create up to 100 new jobs in the area. Work is currently ongoing with the planning and highways department to prepare detailed plans. With soaring internet, retail and wholesale orders, and new partners in Russia, Japan and Asia, Mamas & Papas is a company that has certainly come of age.