As an A-level economics student, I remember watching a case study on a Japanese car manufacturer and their ‘Kaizen’ approach to working practices. Translated, it means “change for the better,” and has become a term to describe a business philosophy of continuous improvement across all business functions and every member of staff. Most memorable, was a thousand employees, dressed…
This month, it’s been party time at Michelsberg HQ to celebrate 10 years of bespoke tailoring. Over a hundred and fifty of my customers, suppliers, family and friends, gathered to enjoy the fabulously talented Vernon Sisters, who performed an eclectic mix of Hollywood swing, Gatsby glamour and 1940’s vintage cabaret. On the grand piano, I had the silky smooth Stewart Garden tinkling the…
Michelsberg Tailoring is ten years old! Born on a kitchen table in June 2006, it crawled to “Queen Square,” a business incubator, and started “whipping the cat” – tailoring talk for visiting customers at their homes and offices – and operating out of the Malmaison hotel in Leeds. Lavished by its father (that’s me) with boundless love and…
Since the start of the year, it’s been mental. Wedding season is in full swing, Manchester is flying and we’ve just had a record month. It’s all adrenalin fuelled, pink-cheeked positivity, but all work and no play, makes James a dull boy. So, this month Mr Anderson and I headed down to London for the annual Bespoke Tailors Benevolent Association dinner,…
December has been an absolute belter. As far as business goes, it’s usually a lean month, with people saving for Christmas, but the till has been ringing away like Santa’s sleigh bells. It’s been a great end to what has been a terrific year and music to the ears of my accountant, and paymaster, the…
“It’s a new dawn, It’s a new day, It’s a new life for me. And I’m feeling good.” Michelsberg Tailoring Manchester is now open for business! Led by my partner-in-crime, Charlie Anderson, he will be based at “Club Brass,” the exclusive private members club of the new five star “Hotel Gotham.” We’ve produced a short…
Hands-up, it’s a fair cop, Guv’. The laziest tailor in Leeds has been at it again. With more holidays under my belt than Judith Chalmers, I’ve added further to my tally of surfing sojourns and last week headed to my spiritual home in North Devon, Croyde Bay. This is the view from my balcony. As many…
As your tailor, I’m going to ask for a moment of self indulgence. Whilst most of my blogs are chipper missives, based on the wonderful world of bespoke tailoring, this one is different. It’s a tribute to my father, John Ernest Michelsberg, who died at the age of 76 on Wednesday 11th March. Now before you start cringing and…
After months of hard work with my Graphic Designer Steve, and the legendary photographer that is Chris Thompson, I am thrilled to say that Michelsberg Tailoring has a new website. The hunt for fresh imagery has not been easy. We’ve shivered our arse’s off in a Fire Station in North Leeds, gotten soaked in a Paintball…
Happy New Year my friends – may it be a fabulous one for us all! I’m slowly getting back to my fighting weight, after what has been a particularly sinful Christmas, and am delighted to report that business has got off to a cracking start. There’s a real Seventies vibe going on at the moment,…