Posted On 15 August 2025
Christopher Nieper discusses the recent letter to Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves in coordination with the jobs foundation. Listen to the full interview hosted by Ian Skye on BBC Radio Derby below.
Posted On 3 August 2025
Over a hundred of Britain’s senior business leaders – including figures from Toyota, JCB, and the Rigby Group – have united behind a stark warning to the Chancellor that without urgent action, we risk confining Britain’s young people to the scrapheap.
In a letter delivered today to Rachel Reeves, over 125 business leaders have highlighted the scandal that is the nearly million young people not currently in employment, education or training (NEET), and have given the Chancellor a solution to help tackle this in the Autumn Budget.
Christopher Nieper OBE, who jointly coordinated the letter alongside the Jobs Foundation, stated that:
“The cost of the NEETs crisis to the economy is unsustainable – not just in welfare payments, but in lost productivity, unfulfilled potential, and the long-term damage caused by early unemployment. Business wants to help tackle this.
Prior to the COVID pandemic, the percentage of young people who were NEET stood at 10.7 per cent. This subsequently skyrocketed to a peak of 13.2 per cent in Q4 2024, representing 987,000 young people not earning or learning.
The joint letter emphasises that businesses want to play their role in the national mission of getting young people into work but highlights the need for additional support for businesses to create more opportunities for young people. It urges the Government to introduce a form of Skills Tax Relief that would enable businesses to invest in training our youth.
Notable signatories to the letter include prominent sports promoter, Barry Hearn OBE, Chairman of JCB, Lord Anthony Bamford, Labour Peer and businessman, Lord Jon Mendelsohn, and Chairman of the Bristol Port Company, Sir David Ord.
The Government has recognised the need for action. Last week, the Chancellor told the House of Lords that supporting NEETs is where the “biggest crisis exists” and highlighted that “we know that if you are out of work early in your working life, you are going to earn less and be in work less”.
Similarly, the Prime Minister last week told MPs that the fact that “there are nearly a million young people out of work, not earning or learning, is a huge challenge for our country” and that “none of us should accept a system” like this.
Georgiana Bristol, CEO of the Jobs Foundation, stated that:
“We know that businesses are the best engine for providing that vital first step on the career ladder for young people. But businesses are facing too many additional costs, which is stopping them from fulfilling this vital role.”
Referenced by organisations including Make UK and the Learning and Work Commission, Skills Tax Relief would help firms cover the cost of spending on apprenticeships, vocational courses, and training schemes. Businesses say that this would help stimulate investment in skills development and boost social mobility.
Apprenticeships are widely acknowledged as vital to helping give young people the skills and experience to succeed in life, however figures show that since 2016, apprenticeships for under 25s have fallen by nearly 40 per cent – taking away crucial opportunities for young people and underscoring the need for action.
Research from the Centre for Social Justice finds that Skills Tax Relief could result in a net gain to the Treasury of more than £20bn over five years, primarily in welfare savings. This comes as the Government has struggled to control the welfare bill, with Labour MPs pressuring the Government into U-turning on £5bn of planned cuts to PIP payments.
Bristol added:
“We are not short of young people with ambition. We are short of clear routes into real work. A Skills Tax Relief could give business the tools to offer that hope.”
Posted On 29 July 2025
Derbyshire clothing firm David Nieper has been honoured by designing an outfit deemed “fit for the Princess Royal.” The bespoke creation highlights the company’s commitment to craftsmanship and British manufacturing excellence.
Read the full article: Derbyshire clothing company David Nieper designs outfit fit for Princess Royal – Derbyshire Times
Image credit: Derbyshire Times
Posted On 14 May 2025
David Nieper has been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Sustainable Development, acknowledging the company’s leadership in eco-friendly practices within the fashion industry.
Read the full article: David Nieper wins King’s Award for Sustainable Development – Drapers Online
Image credit: Drapers Online
Posted On 5 May 2025
British fashion brand David Nieper Ltd has been awarded the 2025 King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development — its second royal recognition for sustainability.
The award recognises the company’s long-standing commitment to low-impact, ethical manufacturing from its base in Alfreton, Derbyshire. David Nieper designs and produces all garments in-house, supporting UK skills and reducing environmental impact through complete supply chain transparency.
Since its first Queen’s Award in 2020, the company has:
Christopher Nieper OBE, Chief Executive, said: “It’s a huge privilege to win the King’s Award for Sustainable Development for a second time. The recognition is a huge boost to our team, and I’m grateful to the King’s Award office for spurring us on to keep pushing the boundaries of sustainable fashion.
“British fashion can thrive without off-shoring; by investing in local skills, cutting waste, and designing a more responsible way to manufacture. We hope our success shows what’s possible when sustainability is built into every part of a business.”
The judging panel commended David Nieper’s fully integrated approach to sustainable development, including long-term investment in energy efficiency, workforce wellbeing, and regional education through the not-for-profit Christopher Nieper Foundation.
The 2025 King’s Awards for Enterprise were announced on 6 May. Representatives from each winning organisation will be invited to attend a royal reception at Buckingham Palace later this year.
Notes to Editors:
Posted On 24 March 2025
In an article published in print and online via This Is Money, the newspaper describes Nieper’s plan as a “bold blueprint to save a million young people from the scrapheap.”
The Mail on Sunday has spotlighted Christopher Nieper OBE and the Christopher Nieper Foundation’s campaign to address the UK’s youth unemployment crisis—featuring his proposal for a national Skills Tax Break to support young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs).
Read the full article: Businessman’s NEET plan to save a million kids from the scrapheap – Mail on Sunday
Image credit: David Nieper Ltd
Posted On 25 February 2025
David Nieper has unveiled its largest collection to date, showcasing a range that blends classic craftsmanship with contemporary style — further cementing its reputation as a leader in British fashion.
Read the full article: Local fashion house David Nieper launches biggest collection yet – Derbyshire Times
Image credit: David Nieper Ltd
Posted On 25 February 2025
Premium British womenswear manufacturer David Nieper has launched its Spring/Summer 2025 collection, expanding its signature blend of timeless elegance and modern design.
With 197 meticulously crafted styles, this year’s collection is the brand’s largest to date, featuring a broader range of fabrics, expanded accessories, and the introduction of David Nieper’s first-ever mac in Italian washed cotton.
Every piece is designed and made in the company’s Derbyshire based workshops, ensuring quality craftsmanship and sustainability at the heart of the collection.
A wardrobe built to last
David Nieper has long been known for designing clothes that stand the test of time—both in style and durability. The SS25 collection stays true to this ethos, offering classic silhouettes with a modern refresh.
The collection embraces a shift towards woven fabrics, adding depth and movement to its signature viscose elastane jersey styles. New fabrics include cotton, viscose linen, and Tencel, ensuring breathability and comfort for the warmer months.
In response to customer demand, David Nieper has also expanded its accessory range, with shoes and handbags specially selected to complement the collection. Meanwhile, embroidered Broderie details add a fresh, contemporary twist to outerwear, nightwear, and shirting.
With a careful balance of vibrant colours and refined neutrals, the collection offers versatile styling options, perfect for any occasion—from summer getaways to everyday elegance.
Designed in Britain, Made in Britain
Unlike most fashion brands, David Nieper keeps every stage of production in-house at its Derbyshire home.
By operating a ‘just-in-time’ manufacturing model, the company produces each garment to order, eliminating overproduction and minimising waste. An impressive 99.8% of orders are delivered on time, reinforcing its commitment to craftsmanship and responsible production.
“Fashion should be an investment, not a throwaway purchase.” said Christopher Nieper OBE, Chief Executive of David Nieper.
“Our customers value quality, and this collection is designed to be worn and loved for years, not just a season.”
With sustainability and longevity at its core, the SS25 collection is now available to shop online at https://www.davidnieper.co.uk/.
For those local to Derbyshire, the collection is also available at the David Nieper Shop, based at the main workshop on Orange Street, in Alfreton.
Posted On 13 February 2025
Meet Jennie Jarvis, a mum from Alfreton who is stitching together a career as a garment maker on an apprenticeship with David Nieper Ltd.
Jennie’s story highlights the positive impact of apprenticeships, and David Nieper is proud to put the spotlight on her journey as part of National Apprenticeship Week.
Jennie’s path to garment making began with her creativity and sewing, sparked by watching The Great British Sewing Bee with her mum in 2019.
She said: “I’ve always been creative, and I got into sewing after watching the show. I often go on sewing retreats with my Mum, and our latest trip was to the South of France last year.”
Living just a five-minute walk from the David Nieper factory in Alfreton, Jennie has been with the company for three years.
Before joining David Nieper, Jennie worked in hairdressing and later expanded her skills into nail art, even winning a gold medal at WorldSkills in 2014. However, an allergy to chemicals led her to reassess her career.
She transitioned into roles helping employers and learners, but after experiencing high stress in sales and recruitment, Jennie decided to pursue a career that aligned with her passion for sewing.
Jennie said: “Sewing helps me focus and gives me joy, especially when I’m creating my own clothes. I really enjoy taking a pattern and adjusting it to fit my own likes and needs.
“I love to learn, and I thought the apprenticeship would give me more knowledge of the business and more skills to help me become a better machinist.”
One of Jennie’s favourite parts of the apprenticeship is the chance to create garments from start to finish. “In my role, I often do the smaller tasks, but the apprenticeship gives me the chance to work on a full garment, which I love,” she said.
“I’ve loved spending time in different departments and understanding how their roles affect what we do in the sewing room.”
Jennie’s daily focus can shift between theory-based learning and practical sewing skills. Throughout her apprenticeship, she has developed various techniques, such as sewing buttonholes, top-stitching, and creating different types of collars.
For anyone considering an apprenticeship, Jennie’s advice is simple: “If you enjoy learning and want to understand your role more, an apprenticeship is the way to do it.”
Gemma Trueman is the Apprenticeship Coordinator at David Nieper. She said: “David Nieper apprenticeships are unique because all our manufacturing remains in-house, unlike many companies that have outsourced overseas.”
“Apprentices gain hands-on experience in the full garment lifecycle, from design to dispatch, learning both traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques. They work closely with skilled mentors, giving them a real understanding of British manufacturing.”
Gemma, who oversees the apprenticeship program, finds the most rewarding part of her role is seeing apprentices achieve their goals: “It’s about supporting them through challenges, helping them build resilience and self-belief, and watching them gain the confidence to complete their apprenticeship.”
She added: “Apprenticeships offer real-world experience and a strong foundation for your career.”
“We’re committed to providing support and guidance every step of the way. I started as a Level 2 apprentice before becoming the Apprenticeship Coordinator.”
David Nieper’s commitment to developing talent through apprenticeships doesn’t stop at training. Chief Executive Christopher Nieper OBE is a strong advocate for the role of apprenticeships in shaping the future of British manufacturing.
He said: “Apprenticeships are essential to the growth of the industry. They provide a pathway for individuals like Jennie to develop their careers, while ensuring businesses like ours have the skilled workforce needed to thrive.
“We do however need more support for businesses to invest in training. Financial incentives and streamlined processes would encourage more companies to offer apprenticeship opportunities, which are vital for the future of British manufacturing.”
David Nieper’s commitment to apprenticeships is reflected in the company’s long history of apprentices progressing into senior roles within the business.
To learn more about apprenticeships and career opportunities at David Nieper, visit www.davidnieper.co.uk.
