Meet the Entrepreneur: Ryan Ferguson

Tell us how FURG. started?

FURG. started up in 2020 during the first lockdown. I was furloughed for a month so decided it was an ideal time to start my dream brand. Initially, I designed the most simple and creative T-shirts– Created Up North. After being so overwhelmed by the support of family and friends, I continued releasing more clothing such as caps and hoodies. My friend Chris Ramsey, the local comedian, made a post on his Instagram about the brand and the response was insane! I sold out of everything on the website and orders were flying through. I can’t thank him enough for giving me that head start.

How did you go about launching a business during lockdown?

It all started off with an Instagram page. Me and my partner would take pictures of the first ever T-shirts I launched on a field behind our apartment in Hebburn – it seems crazy just how far it’s come in such a short time. Launching during lockdown had its ups and downs. The downs were not being able to organise professional photography, or going to choose different T-shirt materials and colours. The ups were that a lot of people were working from home and on their phones a lot more, which worked in my favour.

What was the inspiration behind FURG.?

I’ve always dreamt of working for myself and owning my own brand. FURG. is a twist from my surname, Ferguson, which seems simple, but it did take a while to come up with as I wanted something meaningful to me. My partner came up with the idea of Created up North as a slogan – it was the perfect finishing touch to the brand.

How have you found launching a business in the NorthEast?

I think the area is super-supportive – every Northerner is proud to be from up here. We want each other to do well. The talent up here goes on and on. The North covers quite a lot of big cities too – like Newcastle and Manchester – filled with huge artists, comedians and writers, so it’s quite easy to be inspired up here.

How have you found launching a business in the NorthEast?

I think the area is super-supportive – every Northerner is proud to be from up here. We want each other to do well. The talent up here goes on and on. The North covers quite a lot of big cities too – like Newcastle and Manchester – filled with huge artists, comedians and writers, so it’s quite easy to be inspired up here.

Which products have been the most popular?

Our original FURG. T-shirts have been most popular. We started with just black, white and grey, but then during the autumn we released khaki, camel and burgundy which went down well too – who doesn’t love a fresh T-shirt? Our grey FURG. hoodie is a real favourite, it’s so thick and comfy. The perfect addition to your wardrobe.

What differentiates FURG. from other local clothing brands?

FURG. is its own brand. The quality of clothing is amazing. All T-shirts are ring-spun cotton meaning they last a lot longer, while still being sold at cost-friendly prices so they can meet everyone’s budget. I always make sure my customers are happy and do a lot of Q&As to make sure we are meeting their needs – I believe interacting with your customers is key.

What is your favourite thing about the North East?

My favourite thing about the North East has to be the people, everyone is so friendly up here. And the accent – there’s always a bit of warmth when you’re on holiday and hear a Geordie accent.

Favourite place in the North East?

It has to be St. James’ Park. I’m a massive Newcastle United fan and always have been. I used to go to all the games when I was little and cannot wait for the crowds to be allowed back again in the stadiums.

What are your hopes for the future?

I have big hopes for the future of FURG. I would love to have my own shop, and for FURG. clothing to be in high profile shops such as Harrods and Selfridges, and also to have them all over the North. The dream would be worldwide of course! We’ve already received orders from as far as Florida, Australia and New Zealand. And I would love for some more local stars to be spotted in my clothing – maybe even the one and only Alan Shearer!

Where can we shop FURG.?

Furg currently is online only at furg.co.uk