It feels like only yesterday that we opened the doors of Chimney Formal Menswear and welcomed our first customers. In fact, we’ve just marked our sixth year in business.
Chimney was born out of a dream to bring high-end menswear to Cambridgeshire and to provide men with a one-stop shop for their formalwear and accessories. Having moved on to the site of a former Victorian ironworks in Bassingbourn, complete with the original 13.5-metre-high chimney, we were open for business.
With more than 15 years’ experience within the industry and a genuine passion to provide men with the right advice and support, the desire to succeed has never wavered, and we’re only just getting started. Whether it’s through word of mouth, our social media platforms or an appearance at an exhibition or fair, we’ve built up a loyal following of returning clients, who all left Chimney after their first visit knowing much more about what looks good on them than they did before. We’re enormously passionate about what we do and work hard every day to offer a real local alternative to men’s formalwear, valuing individuality and personality as key components. Led by the standards set by our owner and founder, Sharon Cousans, we’ve been able to not just maintain that quality of service over the years but continue to improve on it. Sharon says: “We’re delighted to be marking such an exciting achievement. To go through what were two of the toughest years for the wedding industry, coming out even stronger on the other side, is something we’ll always be grateful for. “We’ve had a fantastic year since weddings have started up again and have acquired another member of staff to support with increased demand.” While most of our pride comes with being able to help so many people over the years find their dream outfit or discover a sense of style they never knew they had, we’ve also been fortunate enough to win a number of awards during our six years.
July 2016: We were named finalists at a national industry award for the first time, shortlisted at the Bridal Buyer Awards.
October 2016: We won our first award, winning Best New Business at the Royston Business Awards.
November 2016: Victory at a national industry awards ceremony for the first time, winning Groomswear Supplier of the Year at the English Wedding Awards.
November 2017: Awarded Highly Commended at the Four Counties Wedding Awards for Menswear
September 2018: Winner of the Best Men’s Formalwear Retailer at the national Bridal Buyer Awards.
November 2019: We won the Menswear Retail Award at the Four Counties Wedding Awards.
February 2022: Winner of the East of England Best Menswear Supplier at the English Wedding Awards.
We want to take a moment to thank everyone who has been to the shop, visited our website, followed our social media or come to see us at an exhibition or wedding fair. We’re extremely proud to be a part of our community and industry, and we’re looking forward to many more years to come.