“Sequels has been in existence since 1993 and is located approximately 5 minutes away from where we live, in Belmont Village.  Pat and Iris – the two partners at the time - had a vision of a first class nearly new designer wear ‘boutique’ for discerning ladies.

They raided not only their own wardrobes but those of family and friends in order to initially stock the shop.  Once they had established themselves through local advertising and word of mouth, they were able to source designer wear from a growing number of suppliers. 

I became a customer and supplier to Sequels soon after they opened their doors and quickly became a friend of both girls, frequently calling in to browse, always looking for that special outfit. 

At the time, I was a PA to the Joint Chairmen of a local PLC and I bought numerous business suits, names such as….

• Escada
• Armani
• Luis Civit
• Jaeger

….for work, along with fabulous evening and casual wear.  Whenever we were going to a wedding, Sequels was always my first port of call for that special outfit. 

In 2001 I found myself working part-time in my husband’s business, after 19 years in my previous job.  In December 2003, Peter and I were away, on holiday, in Fuerteventura at one of our favourite hotels. 

Taking one of our daily leisurely strolls along the water’s edge, we were chatting about this and that and I happened to mention that I would like another challenge – another career not related to secretarial work. 

Peter asked, like what?  I replied, something like a Sequels – I love that shop.  He then said, well, is it for sale?  I didn’t know.  Then Peter, being Peter, suggested I rang the girls – there and then – to find out if it was. 

We rang Sequels, I spoke to Pat, and she asked me to ring her at home that evening which I did.  Incredible as it sounds, she said the two of them had been talking about the very subject as Iris wanted to retire and Pat to move onto other things.  She asked me to go and see them once we returned from holiday and so the seed was sewn! 

For the rest of the holiday, I could do nothing apart from imagine myself at Sequels and Peter kept having to bring me down to earth, just in case the whole idea collapsed.  It didn’t and, after a very smooth transition, I opened the door of Sequels on 1 March 2004 as its new owner.”

Sequels is now owned by Peter and Elaine Martin.

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