Passion project turned successful business – Scottish Business News

WHITEHILL & Paddock is a Scottish born emerging name in the world of outdoor apparel, dedicated to creating high-quality, durable clothing. The company was founded by Jamie Hodgson, a molecular biologist with a deep-seated love for shooting and other outdoor pursuits.

Jamie’s journey with Whitehill & Paddock began with a simple desire for a quality jacket. Inspired by his grandfather, who introduced him to shooting at the age of five, Jamie’s love for the outdoors grew. Surrounded by a generation of men passionate about shooting, Jamie felt a deep connection to this tradition, which he wanted to preserve and celebrate through his brand.

Working alongside a friend with experience at renowned outdoor brands, Jamie ensured that the logistical design of Whitehill and Paddock products were perfect for practical use. The Maxwelltown collection went through three to four years of dedicated product development and testing by local countrymen, as well as testing in the colds of Greenland in winter, with temperatures as low as -30, gaining valuable insights into creating durable, high-performance outerwear, before its launch last year.

What started as a personal project soon blossomed into a family enterprise. Recognising the potential of his products, Jamie’s family rallied behind him, each bringing their unique skills to the table. His cousin handles the photography, capturing the essence of the Scottish landscape and the adventurous spirit the brand embodies. Jamie’s sister contributes her artistic talent to the brand’s artwork, while his mum and auntie meticulously sew and perfect the jackets, ensuring every piece meets the highest standards of craftsmanship.

Currently, Whitehill & Paddock offers two products: the Maxwelltown jacket and overtrousers, both produced in Dumfries, Scotland. These items are designed not just for functionality and durability but to inspire a sense of adventure and connection with nature.

With plans to expand the product line, Whitehill & Paddock is planning for exceptional growth. Jamie’s vision extends beyond clothing, he wants customers to feel empowered and adventurous, ready to take on the world in their Whitehill & Paddock gear, reminiscent of the adventurous spirit depicted in the Wild Thornberries cartoon that Jamie fondly references.

While the majority of major outdoor clothing retailers have inadvertently stopped innovating due to size and business processes, Whitehill & Paddock embrace being small and dynamic as it allows them to be proactive and creative, able to adapt to the needs of the market with custom material and a bespoke approach.

Meet Jamie at the Scottish Game Fair

Jamie will be exhibiting at the Scottish Game Fair from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 July. Attendees are invited to visit the brand’s booth to experience the craftsmanship and passion that go into the products. This is an excellent opportunity to meet the man behind the brand and learn more about the inspiration and family effort driving Whitehill & Paddock.

For more information, please visit www.whitehillandpaddock.com

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust e Scottish Game Fair is a premier annual event renowned for its expansive selection of exhibitors, seeing over 450 artisans, independents and specialists pitch up, alongside hundreds of activities, shows and entertainment, making it an unmissable weekend and an important calendar event for the sector. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.scottishfair.com.