Nottingham-based Global Solutions for Clothing (GSC), operating under the brand name Pretend to Bee and known for kids’ dress-up and licensed costumes, is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
The company remains a family-run business to this day, originally founded in 1951 by Claude-Bernard Stevenson. The post-war business began selling undergarments and lingerie against the backdrop of Nottingham’s historic Lace Market, supplying all major British retailers at that time.
Throughout its long history, the company has evolved and today supplies children’s dress-up costumes and soft play under the trusted brand name Pretend to Bee, which launched in 2008, and Active Learning, acquired by GSC in 2019.
Known for the quality and educational attributes of its products, GSC is managed by Harrison Palmer, who took the reins from his father 17 years ago. David Palmer revolutionised the business during a huge period of change, moving manufacturing overseas while still maintaining the high standards the company had always held itself to.
Commenting is managing director Harrison Palmer
“We are always so immersed within the business, and so to take a step back and recognise that we have reached such a monumental milestone has been quite overwhelming. We are so proud that GSC not only still operates out of our home city but that it remains resolutely a family-run business, and I think that is a testament to the fact that we have constantly evolved and remained resilient in the face of unprecedented challenges affecting businesses globally.”
Indeed, GSC has reacted rapidly to an ever-changing landscape and perhaps notably during the early 90s began to manufacture high-quality licensed children’s costumes for Walt Disney stores, a collaboration that continues to this day.
“The legacy created by my grandad and then my dad is really important to me, and I learned a lot from them both about management and taking the business forward,” adds Harrison. “However, what I think I learnt most from them is the value of sticking together.
“When people discuss family businesses, they always look at the baton being passed down through generations, but I like to run this business like we are all family. There are over 20 employees at our Nottingham HQ, and each and every one of them contributes to the ongoing success of the business on a daily basis. This fills me with immense pride, and I think the secret to our longevity.”
For wholesale enquiries, contact enquiries@gsc-ltd.com or click here to visit the Global Solutions for Clothing website.