HOUSTON Kiltmakers is gearing up to generate more online sales at home and abroad after securing a funding boost from Santander.
The Paisley-based retailer will use the £170,000 to develop its e-commercial platform, which is already said to account for a "significant percentage" of revenue.
The company, whose founder Kenneth MacDonald is governor and vice chairman of the Scottish Tartans Authority, already offers an app, which allows customers to create their own tartans and share the designs via email or social media networks.
Under Mr MacDonald's tenure, Houston Kiltmakers has expanded into overseas markets, notably the US.
It designed the United States of America national tartan, which was presented to former president George W Bush.
Mr MacDonald said: "We have been able to take our brand and our products to new customers worldwide, particularly in the key US market, and I'm very confident this growth will continue.
"We recognised early the importance of investing in our online capability, maintaining our strong focus on quality and service throughout, and this innovative approach has really helped our business to develop.
"We are continuing to invest in the business, including our physical presence in Paisley, and remain excited by the strength of our market proposition."
Douglas Dunlop, relationship director at Santander, said: "Houston Kiltmakers are a great example of a local business that has effectively expanded overseas and continues to grow thanks to confident marketing and deep understanding of the benefits of e-commerce."
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