Family-owned investment company, Milbank Group, continues to grow its diversified portfolio
of businesses with the acquisition of Nicola Jane following a successful retirement sale. The
name Milbank is synonymous with precast concrete products, however, the Group’s already
diverse range of businesses includes Cadman Cranes, Sui Generis International, ARK Agriculture
and Orion Future Technology.
Peter Lawrence, founder and Managing Director of Nicola Jane said, “I am delighted that we
have found a buyer who is committed to the long-term stability of Nicola Jane. I feel confident
that the Milbank Group will continue to nurture the business, support the staff and care for our
customers – all factors which have proved critical for our success over the past 36 years. It has
been my honour to build Nicola Jane to what it is today, and I wish the future owners the very
best in continuing and growing its legacy.”
Nicola Jane was established in 1984 with a mission to restore confidence and femininity after
breast surgery following a breast cancer diagnosis. As the UK’s leading mastectomy and postsurgery wear specialists, the small family-run business based in Chichester, West Sussex, offers
a wide selection of pocketed mastectomy bras, swimwear and breast forms. Designed with
comfort, security and fit in mind, the collection can be worn after all types of breast surgery
including mastectomy, partial mastectomy, lumpectomy and reconstruction.
Over the past 36 years the business has grown significantly. From its operational base in the
United Kingdom, it has established a strong mail order business selling directly to customers
across the world via their website and telephone. Alongside, Nicola Jane offers a specialised
bra-fitting service from breast care specialists posted around the UK. The fitting clinics include
bra and breast form fittings, as well as a chance for customers to try on items from the range
and to discuss personal requirements. In more recent years the demand for the Nicola Jane
brand has seen trade sales increase across the world including customers in Hong Kong, Israel,
USA and Spain.
Improving sustainability is one of the Milbank Group’s core values and this is well reflected
within the Nicola Jane ethos. They are committed to the improvement of waste-reduction and
focus their strategy around 3 areas: their products, their suppliers and their HQ/retail shop.
Current achievements see 20% of their bras and swimwear manufactured from ‘end of line’
fabrics, usually destined for landfill, products supplied in recyclable PEVA plastic bags, and
plastic cradles used to hold silicone breast forms manufactured using 100% recyclable
polystyrene.
Milbank Group is committed to continuing to improve Nicola Jane’s impact on the
environment, along with supporting their unparalleled service to their customers, employees
and suppliers. Product quality will remain a core principle and continue at the same very high
standard that the industry has come to expect.
Claire-Marie Farrar, General Manager, and Melissa Muvuti, Operations Manager, bring with
them over 16 years’ experience in this industry and will take over the running of Nicola Jane
with immediate effect. Both will be supported by the 25+ strong team at Nicola Jane, along with
any additional support required from Milbank Group’s resources.
Milbank Group’s successful e-commerce division is well positioned to support Nicola Jane in its
next stage of growth both in the UK and internationally.
Sean Milbank of the Milbank Group said, “Nicola Jane is a great business providing outstanding
products with a caring and friendly service to their customers. Having such a beacon of
customer focus within our Group can only help us further improve in an area that we already
pride ourselves in. Nicola Jane falls firmly into the category of being different or diverse from the
rest of the Group businesses, in terms of the sector that they operate in, which is part of our
own growth strategy.”
