Redjacket’s relations with Virgin clarified

We would like to clarify a few points relating to your article Virgin Ventures Too Far? (News Analysis, DW 24 July).

Although delighted to have won the paid pitch to develop standalone stores for Virgin Clothing, we fully understand Virgin’s subsequent decision not to commission the project. Of course, this was disappointing but it was hardly “snatched from our grasp”.

We feel it is too general to state that “now is a far from ideal time to be launching a new retail chain”. Every company is different, and for the right brand with the right proposition, this could be exactly the right time.

Thank you for describing us as a “minnow-sized” consultancy! We have always believed that small is beautiful (DW 20 March), and it is amazing what you can achieve without expensive overheads and the right business alliances.

This approach seems to appeal to the increasing number of leading retail and leisure brands who employ our services.

We also think small is more flexible and better suited to the much-hyped economic recession which may or may not be on the way.

Clinton Bell

Commercial director

Redjacket

London SE1