Vivimoss plans to quit Taiwan for Portugal

A SPORTSWEAR brand set up by a former Edinburgh stockbroker is looking to repatriate production to Europe in an attempt to boost the label’s eco-friendly credentials.

Vivimoss founder Lauren Moss is hoping to return production of simple yet comfortable and stylish shorts, trousers and tops to Europe

Vivimoss founder Lauren Moss said that she is in discussions with Portuguese manufacturers to make her attire, which is currently produced in Taiwan.

Although her clothing is already ethically sourced, Moss wants to cut down on the CO2 emissions from shipping.

“By doing this we will substantially reduce our carbon footprint,” she said.

Set up in 2014, Vivimoss ran up sales of about £25,000 in its first full year of trading, with limited lines of “simple yet comfortable and stylish” clothing suitable for a variety of activities. Moss is currently working to extend both the men’s and women’s ranges, with new items to be added in the coming months.

The venture has been fin­anced to date through savings which Moss accumulated during her 13 years as a stockbroker, working initially for Charles Stanley. She then went on to join Barclays Wealth and was part of a team that defected from there to Williams de Broe, which was acquired by Investec in 2011.

Moss said that although she “loved” her co-workers and clients, life as an investment manager did not “fulfil my hopes and dreams”.

Having taken up CrossFit a few years earlier, she decided to leave corporate life in favour of working with and supporting athletes. To help raise the brand’s awareness, the company has teamed up with a number of young competitors. They include 17-year-old sprinter Kristie Edwards, 16-year-old decathlete Joe Hobson and rugby and CrossFit enthusiast Conor Kidner, who is 18.

“Being a small brand, it is quite difficult to get the name out there, so a good way to do that is to get young up-and-coming athletes involved,” said Moss.

Vivimoss shorts, trousers and tops are sold mainly online, but are also available in some specialist outlets such as climbing centres and yoga studios. In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 20 per cent of the sale of all women’s hot pink shorts and tees during October will be donated to charity.

Moss said she plans to do something similar during next month’s Movember movement to raise awareness of men’s health issues such as prostate cancer.

“Fitness and health is at the heart of what we are all about, so it makes sense for us to get behind these kinds of campaigns,” she said.