Regatta Brand History
Follow our adventure with Regatta Great Outdoors, a brand founded by the visionary Lionel Black. Lionel found a need for high-quality yet affordable outdoor clothing, shaping us into the company we are today. In 1981, he handed the reins to his son, Keith Black, who remains our committed CEO. Later, Jo Black, Lionel's daughter, joined Regatta, bringing her expertise to improve our buying process, and today champions our sustainability initiatives. Regatta is more than a business; it's a family, reflected in how we care for our customers, global staff, and partners.
70's & 80's
The Journey Begins with Risol
In 1977, Lionel Black, with three decades in the waterproof game, seized an opportunity to purchase 'Risol Products.' To begin with, this was a modest wholesale business with six employees. Risol supplied workwear and footwear to army and navy shops. Lionel could see the potential in this growing market, laying the groundwork for Regatta as we know it today.
The Birth of Regatta
Risol was going from strength to strength, and in 1982 Keith decided to buy a cancelled order of jackets that were decorated with a sailing boat design and the word ‘Regatta’ emblazoned on them. A great business decision or a stroke of luck? The jackets were a huge hit, and the first seeds of the Regatta brand had been planted.
Recognising the growing demand, Risol moved to Trafford Park. The iconic Regatta Jacket won the 'WHICH?' magazine award in 1987 for the best waterproof jacket. From then on, Risol decided to focus on one brand only – Regatta. The ‘dogwalker from Oldham’ became the focus for our core customer. Little did we know this was just the beginning…
Staying Ahead of the Competition
Rewinding a little, in the early 70s, Lionel ventured to Asia in search of a backpack that was simple, on trend and great value. The one he found, Risol sold in the hundreds and thousands. This early business opportunity in sourcing fabrics from Asia and building successful partnerships set the business in good stead, and when breathable waterproofing became popular in the 1980s, Risol was ahead of the game and their competitors.
90's & 00's
Adapt and Overcome
In the mid-'90s, business was thriving and Risol officially became Regatta. However, as with most businesses, challenges surfaced. In 2001 the foot and mouth disease outbreak impacted our biggest customer base - army and navy stores.
Responding quickly, Regatta expanded a popular workwear brand into Europe, establishing a presence in France, Germany, Holland, Belgium, and Spain. Then in 2000, recognising a gap in the market, Dare2b, our successful ski brand was launched.
A Legacy of Growth
Throughout the '90s and '00s, we diversified, introducing new brands and improving product quality. We recognised the value of reputation, teamwork, and an entrepreneurial outlook to create a recognisable brand that customers relate to.
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
We Remain a Family
While we have grown to a family of over , headquartered in Trafford Park, Manchester, we are still a family company at heart, with a vision to encourage everybody to enjoy great moments outdoors.
We Always Give Back
At Regatta, making a difference is important to our values. Our commitment to sustainability and charitable initiatives shows our dedication to creating a positive impact, at home and abroad.
The Journey Doesn’t End Here
As we look to the future, our mission is to continue to inspire customers to enjoy the outdoors for years to come. We remain dedicated to providing quality outdoor clothing that ensures comfort and safety without breaking the bank.