Brompton Bicycle, manufacturer of the iconic folding bike, has announced a new collaboration with The Cambridge Satchel Company to champion British design and craftsmanship.
Both Brompton Bicycle and The Cambridge Satchel Company are British brands who share a passion for design, function and fun, with both companies achieving global significant success through their hand-made products.
Brompton Bicycle’s in house design team has worked closely with The Cambridge Satchel Company team to develop three leather satchels, in three colours: Lagoon Blue, Turkish Green and a new colour, Oxblood.
All the satchels integrate with Brompton’s front carrier system, fitting neatly to all its bikes. In addition, Brompton has created a special edition bike in Gloss Oxblood and Ivory which showcases the Oxblood satchel.
The two companies founding stories both, although decades apart, come from the inventiveness and inspiration found at the kitchen table. The Cambridge Satchel Company was founded in 2008 by Julie Deane, out of a challenge to find a classic style satchel for her children to take to school.
In the past eight years, the company has grown rapidly, from first production in Julie’s Cambridge home to an award winning international business. Similarly, Brompton was founded in 1975 by Andrew Ritchie, who worked from his London flat opposite the Brompton Oratory to design a bike for modern city living.
Following significant success in the UK, the Brompton brand has grown internationally over the past decade. Under the leadership of CEO Will Butler-Adams, Brompton now exports to 44 markets.
Julie Deane and Will Butler-Adams have been heavily involved in the collaboration’s success, and both
Will Butler-Adams OBE explained: “I took over as Brompton CEO the same time Julie started The Cambridge Satchel Company. We have both been focusing on quality and the craftsmanship behind our products ever since. We set ourselves the challenge of producing a bike and satchel that were perfect for traveling in the modern city, while having a unique stylish look.”
Julie Deane OBE added: “You can’t think of Cambridge without thinking of cycling and that’s why I included a bike as a central part of our logo when I created The Cambridge Satchel Company. I’ve known the Brompton team for a while as our paths often cross and it felt right to work with them as our first collaboration with a bike brand. Brompton share the values true to us – practical and fun products, made right here in the UK.”
