Adnan Rasool is the owner of INTU Brands, an ambitious Huddersfield based company working in the tech, energy and healthcare sectors. He recently spoke with Charles Maltby, our Programme Director.
1 – Tell us about you and your business story so far?
My business started in 2015 with the intention of helping my family and to be the change I wanted to see in the world. My brother joined me as a director in 2016 and together we built our makeup business to 2,500 stockists worldwide. The president of a leading company in our sector once commented on our display at a tradeshow: ‘there’s a lot to be said about a lean range’ and I have run with this my whole career; keeping it simple is lighter on the pocket and gives you the ability to adapt when the market turns. We had the right mentors at the right time and followed our gut at every peak and trough, something all businesses will undoubtedly experience, and we continue to have a successful and ‘lean’ operation to this day. In 2022, we sold our makeup brand to one of our major clients in the USA and founded INTU Brands where we work in the tech, energy and healthcare sectors, servicing our roster of clients with everyday goods whilst innovating for the future.
2 – How has Huddersfield helped you be successful in business?
I am proud of being from Huddersfield and don’t shy away from my local accent and telling people about this great place. Huddersfield is a melting pot of cultures, full of opportunities and mentors that are willing to help up and comers if you humble yourself to ask them. It’s a well balanced town; mixing rural and urban life and that’s us in a nutshell, simple people with big ideas. Huddersfield’s location is also an advantage as it is easy to travel from here to key locations, with Manchester airport being only an hour away, which makes it easier to hop on a plane and attend an overseas exhibition or visit our customers and suppliers.
3 – What advice would you give to someone looking to set up or relocate their business in Huddersfield?
If you look at the papers, there are lots of positive stories about investment taking place in the town, there is the availability of money here to help get businesses off the ground or to expand, take on new staff or equipment.
We’ve been the beneficiary of such grants in the early days of our business especially when we exhibited at international trade shows that were part funded by various local schemes. Yes, a lot of retail spaces are being vacated at this present time but this provides a savvy business person the opportunity they need for their ‘big idea’ and the climate gives you leverage to negotiate better terms with your landlord. My brother and I opened a desserts franchise in Huddersfield two years ago and it has really taken off. We employ young, local people and monitor their development, challenging them to grow. I often say to my staff that someday when I see them going about town, I’ll be proud to say I had a hand in developing that young person.
4 – What future plans do you have for your business that involve investment into Huddersfield?
We are looking at opening a new store in the town centre in the near future which will showcase our wider family’s 40 year experience in the clothing industry, plans are moving forwards for this to happen next year. At INTU, we also plan to push more the ethical side of our business opportunities and offering customers services that give them what they need in the most ethical way whilst still being commercially viable. An opportunity exists in the tech space, namely AI data centres, that are more sustainable and eco friendly. Our products will offer them the chance to know where their own data is held and not be subject to more expensive cloud based arrangements.
5 – What are Huddersfield’s strengths from a business point of view?
People. Huddersfield is diverse and we get along. The town is full of people who started from humble beginnings and made it. Between them they have a huge range of skills and abilities, many of which are learned from the great schools and colleges in the town as well as from their work in business. Diversity is our strength. Whoever can harness this can give our residents a better quality of life. Various new investments will help with this, and if more consideration is given to ensure that the whole community is involved, we all thrive. I will do all I can to make sure my community is part of this growth.
6 – What do you think Huddersfield’s future holds?
Once again the future will come from the greater involvement of the wider diverse community, their humility and access to each other’s capability and willingness to explore opportunities. This wider reliance on others in Huddersfield opens opportunities and from them growth can take place, the talent is already here. Let’s put in the work and break down the barriers, perceived and real, to help Huddersfield thrive – a challenge for the leaders; respect is earned.
