Draft:Andrew Killingsworth
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| Submission declined on 5 May 2025 by HickoryOughtShirt?4 (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of people). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia. Declined by HickoryOughtShirt?4 42 days ago. | |
Comment: No sources have been added to this draft. Where did all this information come from? HickoryOughtShirt?4 (talk) 00:33, 5 May 2025 (UTC)
Andrew Robert Killingsworth (born February 1962) is a British businessman, retail tycoon and the founder and CEO of Yours Clothing, a UK-based fashion retailer.[1][2]
Through his holding company, AK Retail Holdings, he also owns associated brands including the menswear label BadRhino, Evans, M&Co and the tall-women’s brand Long Tall Sally.[3][4]
Andrew Killingsworth | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 1962 (age 63) |
| Citizenship | British |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman and philanthropist |
| Organization | AK Retail Holdings |
| Known for | CEO of Yours Clothing |
Early Life
[edit]Raised in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, Killingsworth began his career in fashion retail before establishing Yours Clothing. The company developed into a multi-channel retailer. By 2018, the company had opened approximately 135 stores in the United Kingdom (in addition to ten internationally) and was dispatching online orders to over 90 countries.[5]
Business Career
[edit]Under Killingsworth’s direction, the business diversified and acquired multiple fashion brands. In 2015, he launched BadRhino, a menswear label designed for larger and taller men.[3] In 2020, Yours Clothing (via AK Retail Holdings) acquired the online business and intellectual property of Long Tall Sally.[6] In early 2022, the company acquired PixieGirl from administration, and in February 2023, it purchased the M&Co brand.[2] In 2023, Killingsworth also acquired Evans, the long-established plus-size fashion chain previously owned by Philip Green under the Arcadia Group, for £8 million. The acquisition included the brand name, intellectual property, and stock, and was part of a strategy to enhance AK Retail Holdings’ presence in the plus-size fashion market.[7]
Killingsworth has stated that the company’s operations are based on five principles: garments that offer proper fit, high product quality, contemporary design, value for money, and reliable service. He has highlighted cost efficiency and customer responsiveness as central to business strategy, commenting: “We just have to keep our costs in check… and do the right things for our customers”.[8] Retail Week reported Yours Clothing as the fastest-growing fashion retailer in the United Kingdom during the 2022–2023 financial year, with sales reaching £207.6 million.[8]
Financial recognition
[edit]Killingsworth has been included in national wealth rankings and regional business awards. His personal wealth placed him on the Sunday Times Rich List (322nd in 2024, with £405 million),[1][4] an increase from his initial inclusion in 2020 (£122 million).[4] The Peterborough Telegraph Business Excellence Awards named him Businessman of the Year in 2022, which marked the second occasion on which he received the title.[9] Yours Clothing was also recognised with awards for Large Business of the Year and Corporate Social Responsibility at the same event.[9]
Philanthropy
[edit]In March 2022, Yours Clothing launched a fundraising initiative in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, setting a target of £250,000. This included a personal donation of £100,000 from Killingsworth and £150,000 raised through the sale of dedicated merchandise, with proceeds directed to the British Red Cross.[10] He also indicated that the company would seek to offer employment opportunities to Ukrainian refugees arriving in the United Kingdom.[10]
Spalding United FC
[edit]Killingsworth is the chairman and owner of Spalding United Football Club, a semi-professional team based in Lincolnshire.[11] During his tenure, Spalding United won the Northern Premier League Division One Midlands title in the 2023–2024 season and gained promotion to the Southern League Premier Division.[11] Media reports have linked Killingsworth with a potential bid to acquire Peterborough United Football Club.
References
[edit]- ^ a b "A leading business owner in Peterborough has joined a prestigious measure of success". Peterborough Telegraph. May 21, 2024.
- ^ a b "Grinnell, Paul. "Founder of Yours Clothing in Peterborough enters Sunday Times Rich List." Peterborough Telegraph, 18 May".
- ^ a b Ww, Fashionnetwork. com. "Halliday, Sandra. "Owner of Yours Clothing, Long Tall Sally buys failed M&Co." FashionNetwork UK, 3 Feb 2023". FashionNetwork.com.
- ^ a b c "BadRhino – TheIndustry.fashion." TheIndustry.fashion (Company Directory)".
- ^ "Jahshan, Elias. "Yours Clothing records 'strong growth' amid investment drive." Retail Gazette, 30 Apr".
- ^ Roberts, Lauretta (August 18, 2020). "Yours Clothing owner buys Long Tall Sally".
- ^ Wright, Georgia (August 4, 2023). "M&Co owner acquires plus size retailer Evans - Retail Gazette".
- ^ a b "Fast growing fashion retailer says 'our business is so simple - we just do more of what the customer wants'". Peterborough Telegraph. November 3, 2023.
- ^ a b "Awards success does create 'nice buzz' in the office, says Peterborough clothing boss". Peterborough Telegraph. November 25, 2022.
- ^ a b "Peterborough retailer Yours Clothing is making a huge donation to help Ukrainian refugees". Peterborough Telegraph. March 18, 2022.
- ^ a b "New chairman appointed". Newark Advertiser. May 12, 2023.