Editor’s Note
Hello,
The celebrated British outdoor brand Finisterre was founded in the small and rugged town of St Agnes in Cornwall, England. This year they are celebrating 20 years and is one of the pioneers within sustainable outdoor, surfing, and coastal living apparel.
Finisterre’s mission is to “inspire people to love and protect the sea” and the Finisterre Foundation aims “to remove barriers to access so everyone can get to and benefit from the transformative power of the ocean.”
Earlier this year Finisterre introduced Yulex wetsuit rentals which is the first program globally that is making wetsuit made out of Yulex, natural plant rubber instead of fossil fuel based neoprene, available to anyone, encouraging access over ownership.
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Table of Contents
Finisterre’s Story
Finisterre is a British outdoor apparel company that was founded in 2003. The company is based in St Agnes, Cornwall, and its products are designed and tested on the rugged coastline of the region. Finisterre is committed to sustainability and uses recycled materials in many of its products.
The name Finisterre comes from the Latin word finis terrae, which means "end of the Earth." The company was named after the Cape Finisterre in Spain, which was once thought to be the westernmost point of Europe. Finisterre is a fitting name for the company, as its products are designed for people who love to explore the outdoors and push themselves to their limits.
Finisterre's founder, Tom Kay, is a passionate surfer and outdoorsman. He started the company after he became frustrated with the lack of sustainable outdoor apparel options. He wanted to create a brand that was both environmentally friendly and stylish.
Finisterre quickly gained a following among surfers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The company's products are known for their quality, durability, and sustainable design. Finisterre is also committed to social responsibility and has partnered with a number of charities, including Surfers Against Sewage and the Marine Conservation Society.
Today, Finisterre is one of the leading outdoor apparel brands in the UK. The company sells its products online and in a number of retail stores around the world. Finisterre is committed to making a positive impact on the planet and is constantly innovating to find new ways to reduce its environmental impact.
Key Milestones
2003 – Finisterre is founded in St Agnes, Cornwall by Tom Kay and a year later they launch their first product line, including fleece, jackets, and hats.
2005 – Finisterre partners with Surfers Against Sewage to raise awareness of marine pollution.
2007 – Named one of the "Best New Brands" by Outside Magazine.
2008 – Joins the 1% for the Planet movement, pledging to donate 1% of its annual sales to environmental causes.
2009 – Launches its first-ever international partnership with a non-profit organization in Haiti.
2010 – Named one of the "Most Sustainable Companies" by Ethisphere.
2011 – Opens its first retail store in St Agnes, Cornwall.
2012 – Launches its first-ever women's line.
2013 – Named one of the "Best Companies to Work For" by Outside Magazine.
2014 – Finisterre opens its first flagship store in London’s Covent Garden.
2016 – Named one of the "Most Innovative Companies" by Fast Company.
2017 – Reaches $100 million in annual sales.
2019 – Named one of the "Most Sustainable Companies" by Newsweek Magazine.
2020 – Responds to the COVID-19 pandemic by donating over $1 million in relief funds and supplies.
2021 – Introducing Blue Friday which swaps Black Friday discounts for donations that make a real difference to help break down barriers to the ocean.
2023 – Named one of the "Most Charitable Companies" by Chronicle of Philanthropy, and introduced Yulex wetsuit rentals.
Insights and Actions
Finisterre is fully committed to sustainability and has a number of initiatives in place to reduce its environmental impact. Finisterre's sustainability strategy is focused on three main areas:
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