Who We Are?

Our Mission

To create a profitable ethical business that offers uk manufactured innovative socks which enables expression through increased performance, comfort and style.

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Tejay Sportswear, established by the father and son duo of the late John Smith and his eldest son Terry in 1984, is now recognised as one of the leading manufacturers of football, rugby and hockey socks in the UK.  Located in Narborough , Leicester the company which designs and manufactures wholly in the UK has in excess of 60 staff and supplies performance field sports socks to a host of household name kit suppliers and clubs.

From humble beginnings in 1984 Terry acquired (with help from Dad John) 6 Komet machines from his then insolvent employer Stormhurst and set up in The Magazine manufacturing a range of football socks to satisfy initially some of the clients of Stormhurst.  John joined Terry soon after and together this formidable partnership began to build their business empire.

Leicester, home to Tejay, has a substantial knitwear and hosiery heritage and this legacy is at the root of the company which draws its workforce from the surrounding areas.  The dedicated workforce when coupled with state of the art technology in the knitting room has seen Tejay blossom. It is this fiercely proud British manufacturing strategy that stands Tejay apart from its competition.  Quick turnaround, bespoke design and high quality control are part of the service Tejay deploy day in day out.

Innovation, a much overused word, really describes the product portfolio that Tejay offer, always striving to develop the range, Tejay have been responsible for the major developments in football sock design and performance when working with kit suppliers and the demands of professional sportspeople. 

Significant milestones include :-

The EuroSock – a term coined by Tejay that is now the standard for professional football socks.

Micromesh Venting – requested by the industry and designed, constructed and delivered by Tejay.

Footless Socks–  in response to players wanting to take the practice comfort  into matchday by keeping the sock and boot combo the same and still complying with regulations

Tejay today is still a family business with Terry at the helm,  ably assisted by Marlene his mum and with brothers Russ & Glen and son Nick in strategic roles delivering the same virtues instilled by John Smith of British manufacture, service, innovation and quality.

Our Team

Terry Smith

Managing Director

Terry Smith is the MD of Tejay, having started the company with his late father John Smith in 1984 , Terry oversees the entire operation with a hands on intensity. Terry a keen sportsman is a Leicester City supporter and is married to Kerry with 4 sons, Nicholas, Daniel, Mitchel and Jordan, Terry is a very proud “Pops” to 5 grandchildren.

Marlene Smith

Co-Founder

Marlene Smith has been involved in Tejay since its inception. Marlene supports her extended "family" in performing their roles at Tejay. Much loved by all, Marlene embodies all that is good about Tejay Sportswear.

Sue Hutchinson

Financial Controller

Sue has been with Tejay in excess of over 25 years and is responsible for financial matters and oversees HR amongst her many roles. A key member of the Tejay management team she has played a vital role in managing the day to day finances of the business and has been instrumental in providing business information that has allowed for expansion

Russel Smith

Production Manager

Russ is Terry’s right hand man at the coal face. Russ is the man that ensures all socks manufactured meet and exceed customers’ expectations. Russ manages the design and knitting teams to guarantee your designs can be a reality by creating the knit programmes that deliver the designs. He makes sure quality standards don’t slip and production schedules are maintained with his team of setters and technicians.

Nick Smith

Post Production Manager

Terry’s eldest son joined Tejay from school and is responsible for all orders making it out the door, on time every time! Nick works closely with all areas in the company ensuring we meet the exacting standards that has stood us in good stead since his granddad John helped establish the business in 1984.

Nigel Lucas

Head Technician

Nigel joined the company in 2001 and has demonstrated his hands on capability to keep the production flowing over that time. Nigel heads our team of Technicians who are responsible for all development work, machine maintenance, both preventative and repair for both mechanical and electrical disciplines.

Yasmine Faulkner

Account Manager and External Sales Manager

Yasmine joined Tejay straight from Lutterworth College in 2011 as an office junior, in that time she has relished all opportunities put her way and has now stepped up with a full external facing role. She has good rapport with customers and is now riding shotgun with Terry to sales meetings (customers beware she takes no prisoners!).

Glen Smith

Warehouse/

Logistics

Glen is the face of Tejay and the youngest of the Smith brothers. He delivers our goods to your doorstep. Courteous and customer focused, Glen is a hard working integral member of the Tejay Team, always a smile on his face, keen to offer assistance and not afraid to dig in when called for.

Suzanne Griffiths

HR Officer

Suzanne re-joined Tejay in 2012 after a 11 year gap. Suzanne works very closely alongside Sue with her main roles including all HR duties, co-ordinating and reporting on Ethical and Social audits, purchasing and purchase payments.

Sarah King

Account Manager

With 10 years previous in hosiery design and retail buying, Sarah joined the office staff as the maternity cover for Yasmine in early 2020. Due to the global pandemic, Sarah was thrown in at the deep end and proved herself. Outside of Tejay Sarah is an accomplished mixed media artist.

COOLMAX® and LYCRA® Brands Accredited.

A fibre with a four channelled cross section draws moisture away from foot and transports it to the outer surface where it evaporates quickly, keeping your feet cool and dry.

LYCRA® fibre, is an elastane fibre that can stretch up to seven times its original length and will instantly recover when tension is released. It helps all socks to stay up, it provides excellent fit, with comfort wear after wear.