A SUPPLIER of equine fashion and accessories, based at Mappleborough Green near Redditch, is celebrating its first anniversary by unveiling ambitious expansion plans for 2013.

Espayo Equestrian is being supported in those plans by the Birmingham office of Midlands’ accountants and business advisory firm, Smith Cooper.

Espayo Equestrian was established in 2011 by 19-year-old entrepreneur Jack Eaves. The business provides clothing, boots and accessories from international equestrian designers, as well as products for horses.

The majority of items stocked are imported from Europe and the company is the exclusive UK distributor of Filli Fabbri riding boots.

Having launched the business online, Mr Eaves opened the Espayo Equestrian high street store in early 2012 which, after receiving financial, tax and audit advice from Smith Cooper, has grown.

Now Mr Eaves, who has been riding since the age of two, plans to work with the firm to expand the business by opening two further retail outlets to service the north and south of the UK and further expand his product range.

He said: “Having previously worked in an equestrian shop it became clear to me that I could offer a better standard of service for fashion-conscious riders.

“It has always been an ambition of mine to run my own business and it was a natural choice for me to set up a company that tapped into my equestrian passion.

“I am very ambitious and keen to explore growth opportunities and, as a start-up business, the guidance from Smith Cooper has been invaluable. As a brand name Espayo lends itself to a variety of uses and I think will be just as successful in other areas of the country.

“It is an exciting time for the business. Equine fashion is universal and you don’t have to ride in order to enjoy the style that has, for many years, influenced some of the most famous designers, including Ralph Lauren and Hackett.

“I have big plans for the future expansion of Espayo Equestrian and I am looking forward to working with Smith Cooper to implement them over the coming 12 months.”

Jeremy Cope, lead partner at Smith Cooper’s Birmingham office, said: “Espayo Equestrian is a unique business, which offers customers access to specialist, high-end products and accessories, both locally and nationwide online.

“Jack is very focussed and determined and has already got a strategy in place for the short to medium term, with an eye on the long-term diversification of the Espayo brand.

“We are committed to supporting entrepreneurial SMEs in these challenging times. The retail sector has been particularly difficult over the past few years but it is SMEs like Jack that have a vision for the future and are tapping into a gap in the market that will help drive economic growth.

“We wish him well for the future and look forward to working with him to support Espayo Equestrian’s continued development.”