About Us
As a family, we have been in the business of making our clients happy for over three decades now.
Back in 1982, entrepreneurs Neil and Gail Freedman had an insatiable appetite to create a bespoke clothing and souvenir business in Scotland’s capital. Armed with a jotter full of ideas and some optimism for success, Scotshirts the company was born.
At this stage Scotshirts were not only the first, but the only organisation in Scotland with the capability to print garments in large volumes, bearing in mind that Neil and Gail produced everything, (by hand) in their back bedroom, when Bob Geldof picked-up the telephone in 1985 to buy t-shirts for the ‘I Ran The World’ tour, of course they said yes, but they didn’t sleep for a few days either. Over the years it has not only been Bob that has picked up the phone, from the successful Scottish Group Runrig to supplying thousands of children with garments for the opening of the Scottish Parliament, Scotshirts has remained at the forefront of promotional clothing.
In 2009, Louise MacKenzie the daughter of Neil & Gail Freedman, joined the company as Marketing & Business Development Director, taking the business into new territory and growing the established client base, it was not long until Louise was using her own talent and family history in the promotional clothing business to introduce a new sideline to the company – HoodieTee, specialising in personalised hoodies for the schools and groups market.
Now, over 29 years later, Scotshirts is a market leader in the promotional sector, not to mention one of the UK’s most respected garment apparel suppliers. Since conception, Scotshirts has gone on to grow a range of successful business stories in sectors ranging from corporate clothing to sports clubs, individuals to universities, start-ups to schools – and even our few celebrity clients along the way.
Neil Freedman, Managing Director
With over thirty years experience Neil is the driving force behind Scotshirts; Neil founded the company in 1982 and has guided the company through its growth and development. Neil specialises in the sourcing, procurement and manufacture of branded clothing and corporate and promotional gifts for a range of clients. With a creative flair Neil oversees and develops the designs for the souvenir market, with over 30 years experience in this market he understand what sells and what makes a good retail garment. Working with clients such Edinburgh Zoo, Historic Scotland, Visit Scotland and William Glen, Neil has developed both designs and processes to ensure maximum return for these clients. Neil’s key focus is understanding and catering for the needs of individual clients and fulfilling their expectations with the products they require.
Gail Freedman, Operations & Finance Director
Having joined the company in 1984, Gail over sees all aspects of the operational and finance side of the business. Gail is the key contact for some major clients, whilst also ensuring the smooth running of the daily business of the company. With a passion for ensuring client service is at the heart of the business, Gail guarantees all clients receives the same high quality service.
Louise MacKenzie, Sales & Marketing
Graduating from Napier University; having spent a year studying at Butler University in Indianapolis. Louise joined the company in 2009 after spending her early career as a marketer in the legal and sports sector. Joining the family business to head up the sales and marketing division of the company, Louise works with existing clients as well as developing new sales avenues. Louise now over sees all areas of sales and marketing; from developing new client relations to understand and working with established clients. With a passion garments and ensuring the best possible service Louise launched Hoodietee specialising in printed hoodies for the schools, university and clubs market.