From Caribbean roots to global sportswear, this is twenty years of Scimitar.
A few decades ago, Scimitar began with a simple idea. To create high quality performance sportswear that athletes and organisations could rely on. The struggle to find high quality wicking garments to be worn in the harshest of conditions was a c that Scimitar would face, with a high degree of success, head on.
Founded in 2006 in the Cayman Islands by Global Managing Director Jon Rew, the business started as a small, focused operation with a clear ambition. Build a brand that delivers consistently, understands the needs of its customers, and creates products that perform when it matters most.
Two decades on, that ambition has been realised on a global scale. Scimitar now supplies teams, events and organisations across multiple continents, supporting everything from grassroots participation through to elite level competition.
From Early Foundations to Global Reach
The early years of Scimitar were defined by hands-on growth. Building relationships, refining product, and developing a reputation for reliability in a competitive market.
As demand grew, so did the scope of the business. Expansion into the UK marked a significant step, laying the foundations for what would become a key operational hub and a launchpad for further international growth.
Over time, Scimitar has developed into a truly global supplier, working across a wide range of sports, events and sectors. That journey has been shaped by long term partnerships and a consistent focus on delivering for clients, whether supporting a single team or managing large scale event programmes.
Designed Around the Customer
At the core of the business has always been a commitment to fully bespoke product.
Rather than offering off-the-shelf solutions, Scimitar works closely with organisations to design sportswear and merchandise that reflects their identity. From performance-led fabrics through to detailed design work and fulfilment, every stage is built around the needs of the end user.
This approach has allowed the brand to grow organically, driven by repeat partnerships and word of mouth across the industry.
Sustainability as a Defining Focus
In more recent years, sustainability has become a central part of the company’s direction.
Investment into recycled performance fabrics has enabled Scimitar to transform plastic waste into high quality sportswear, now widely adopted across its product ranges. Alongside this, broader initiatives around responsible sourcing and long term environmental impact continue to shape how the business operates.
This shift reflects both the evolving expectations of organisations and a clear commitment from within the business to lead in this space.
Voices From the Journey
Jon Rew, Global Managing Director, reflected on the milestone:
“Reaching twenty years is a huge milestone for everyone involved with Scimitar. What began as my small idea and an individual operation has grown into a truly global brand, and that growth has been driven by the incredible organisations and communities we work with around the world.”
Adam Church-Millward, Head of Marketing, added:
“The journey from Caribbean beginnings to a global brand has been remarkable. What excites me most is that we are still evolving. Sustainability, innovation and partnership are now central to the way organisations think about sportswear, and we are proud to be playing a leading role in that shift.”
Richard Webb, Senior Account Manager, who has been part of the business since the early UK growth phase, said:
“Being part of Scimitar through its growth has been incredibly rewarding, and the thought of hitting twenty years really does well to age a man. But the challenges are exciting. The scale of the business has changed significantly, but the values have stayed the same. There is a genuine focus on delivering for customers and building relationships that last, and that is something that has been consistent throughout.”
Continuing the Journey
As Scimitar marks its twentieth year, the focus remains on building for the future.
Ongoing development in sustainable materials, continued investment in product innovation, and the strengthening of global partnerships will all play a key role in the next phase of growth. The business continues to evolve alongside the organisations it supports, adapting to new demands while maintaining the standards that have defined the past twenty years.
The story of Scimitar has always been one of progression. From its Caribbean beginnings through to its position today, each stage has been built on strong foundations, clear direction and a commitment to doing things properly.
Twenty years on, that approach remains unchanged. Stay tuned for the rest.
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