AN ambitious watch firm is gearing up for a period of major growth as it targets new export markets.
Glasgow-based Kennett has agreed deals to roll out its timepieces, which typically cost between £165 to £260, to independent jewellers and fashion stores in Germany and Scandinavia in 2013.
It has also just moved into bigger premises and expects to add to its four part-time staff in the coming 12 months.
Founder Tom Kennett, 27, has plans to take the brand into Latin America, Japan and the Middle East.
Mr Kennett said the business has recently been taken on to an export support programme by Scottish Enterprise.
It already exports to more than 10 countries including Spain and the US and is building up more online and high street stockists in the UK.
Mr Kennett said: "We don't have massive financial sales to boast about yet but we are starting to make some great progress.
"We initially struggled to get the attention of local and UK stockists so we focused on abroad and online sales.
"What has been nice in the last six months is we have started to gain the attention of bricks and mortar stockists [in Scotland] and down south."
Among the Scottish businesses carrying the brand are John Stewart Jewellers in Ayr, Loch Lomond Jewellers at Balloch and Jim Forbes Tailoring in Glasgow.
Negotiations with other Scottish retailers are said to be progressing well and further stockists in the domestic market are lined up for 2013.
Kennett, which also makes cufflinks, is listed on major online portals including Debenhams.com and Watchshop.com.
An e-commerce app for Apple and Android devices was launched in October.
Mr Kennett confirmed the company makes its products in Asia but is committed to building its headquarters in Scotland.
He said: "It is a really exciting time as everything is moving so quickly.
"The new office is about three times bigger. It gives us storage, more space for staff and if we are bringing foreign visitors in we need to have a showroom.
"The new office should do us for a couple of years, but if we keep on growing we will need our own much bigger space.
"We are aiming to have all of our design, sales and marketing and back end aspects of the business in Glasgow. We want to become a great export brand from Scotland."
Mr Kennett is also looking into moving some production to global watchmaking centre Switzerland.
Kennett has signed up brand ambassadors including polo player George Meyrick, racing driver Tom Ingram, disc jockey Celeste Siam, former boxer Wayne McCullough and windsurfer Keith Atkinson.
Longer term plans include launching a Kennett retail store and expanding the brand into product areas such as eyewear, luggage and other accessories.
Kennett was nominated in the accessory/jewellery designer of the year category at the Scottish Fashion Awards in June.
Companies House shows Mr Kennett set up KGTC Online in 2010.
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