Twenty years after opening its first store in Belfast, The Zip Yard is celebrating two decades as the UK and Ireland’s largest and fastest-growing professional tailoring network, with 50 stores and more than 40 franchise owners now part of the family.
The Zip Yard was founded in 2005 with a clear vision: to make professional tailoring fast, affordable and accessible. What began as one store near the Harland & Wolff shipyard has evolved into a trusted brand recognised for quality craftsmanship, reliability and care.
Today, the business remains committed to the same founding principles while continuing to adapt to modern customer needs. From one-hour express services to specialist bridal, formalwear and school uniform alterations, The Zip Yard has altered and repaired millions of garments, helping to keep clothes in circulation and out of landfill.
At the helm of The Zip Yard are Neluka and Neil Dunning, who together lead the brand’s continued growth. Neluka opened her first franchise in Leeds in 2019 and quickly recognised the potential of the business model. Two years later, she acquired the UK master licence, and in April 2025, alongside Neil, became owner of the entire Zip Yard network across the UK, Northern Ireland and Ireland.
“When I bought my first Zip Yard franchise in 2019, I had no idea how quickly my journey would grow,” says Neluka. “From doubling the customer base in Leeds to partnering with Tesco and appearing on BBC’s The One Show, every milestone reminded me that what we do is about more than just alterations – it’s about building trust, solving problems, and making people feel good about their clothes. Leading the business today with Neil by my side makes the journey even more meaningful.”
Under their leadership, The Zip Yard has continued to champion sustainability and slow fashion, promoting repair and reuse as essential steps toward reducing clothing waste. The brand remains part of a growing movement encouraging customers to buy better and repair what they love.
“We’re incredibly proud of our reputation for quality and professionalism,” says Neluka. “Whether it’s a simple hem repair or a complex restyle, we approach every garment with care and craftsmanship. As more people look for sustainable alternatives to fast fashion, our role feels more important than ever.”
With over 40 franchisees and hundreds of skilled staff employed across the network, The Zip Yard’s ambition is to continue expanding, with the long-term goal of having a store in every major UK town and city centre.
As it celebrates 20 years in business, The Zip Yard’s message is simple: repair, restyle, reuse – and rediscover the joy of clothes that fit and last.