Debbie Luffman

Congratulations to Debbie Luffman of Finisterre for winning the Individual Achievement Award at Cornwall College Business’ Excellence in Business Training Awards.

Since its inception in 2002, Finisterre has gained recognition as a pioneering surf brand, with a strong environmental design ethos. Founded by Tom Kay, the brand has grown from an attic in St. Agnes, with one part-time employee, to an award-winning brand, with five employees operating from a workshop on the cliffs of St. Agnes.

“Finisterre is quite simply not the same business that it was a year ago before Debbie came on board”, stated Founder, Tom Kay. Debbie is the third successful graduate to join the Finisterre team through the Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP) programme. She came on board as women’s wear designer, since then her role has expanded as designer/supply chain manager and all-round organiser to the previously all-male team. Before re-locating to Cornwall to join Finisterre, Debbie worked in London for four years as women’s wear designer for large high-street fashion brands. She has since brought her commercial and sourcing experience to maximise the efficiency of Finisterre’s manufacturing.

The Unlocking Cornish Potential programme incorporates training provided by Cornwall College Business. Debbie has taken every opportunity to benefit from this training, including marketing, finance and time-management business training sessions, and has successfully completed the Institute of Leadership and Management course. Debbie is now doing her NVQ level 4 in Supply Chain Management through the UCP mentoring scheme. She has put her training to good use, by implementing systems into Finisterre to improve time-lines, streamline production and costs and to significantly enhance the face of Finisterre. Since Debbie came on board and started making changes, women’s wear sales went up 20% from the previous year.

With the help of UCP, Debbie has made an irreversible impact upon the business and is an invaluable member of the Finisterre family.

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