Firm founder makes Rich List

Businessman’s wealth valued at £122 million by Sunday Times

The founder of Peterboroughbased Yours Clothing has made his first appearance in the Sunday Times Rich List.

Andrew Killingsworth (58) has been ranked in 976th position with his wealth, according to the Sunday Times, totalling £122 million.

But the entrepreneur says the accolade does not feel as he expected as he battles to get his company through the pandemic.

His inclusion in the prestigious list of Briatin’s wealthiest people comes after his plus size fashion business showed assets of £19.8 million in 2018/2019.

The Sunday Times says over the same period his business posted profits of £13.6 million on £105.9 million of sales, making it worth £120 million.

It is a real rags to riches story for Mr Killingsworth who began by selling garments on a market stall.

Now the fashion retailer, who was named Business Person of the Year at the 2016 Peterborough Telegraph Business Awards, employs 1,200 staff and the business has moved into new £4 million premises in Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate.

The outbreak of Covid-19 changed the trading environment for Yours Clothing forcing it to shut stores and to furlough some staff.

Mr Killingsworth said: “It’s a great accolade to be included in the Sunday Times list, it’s something I’ve viewed with interest for a number of years with admiration, particularly with regards to those within the retail industry who have worked hard to achieve their goals and objectives.

“For me to be in the same company as such established and successful retail leaders is fantastic. This is an award for my business, not me and especially for all of those who have worked for me past and present, I thank every single one of them for being a very big part of the businesses developing over a number of years, and I’ll always be grateful for those that have helped me along the way.

But Mr Killingsworth added: “Being recognised didn’t feel like I had expected it too, in a time where the retail industry is on its knees due to Covid-19 and retailers are going out of business it doesn’t feel the right time to even consider celebrating something like this. We are fighting for survival at the moment and my full focus is on leading Yours Clothing through this period, however long this continues, and ensuring we come out of the other side.”

Andrew Killingsworth, founder of Peterborough-based Yours Clothing.