The Parently Group was formed in 2021 but our story began over 44 years ago...
The story begins long before the name existed.
Our story
Our roots lie in David Luke, a family-run schoolwear business founded in Manchester in 1982. Built on practical innovation, strong retailer partnerships, and a belief in doing the right thing, David Luke earned a reputation for quality, consistency, and responsible business practice.
Over the years, David Luke's success created opportunities to serve families across more categories. Through careful development and acquisition, we grew into a wider family of brands. Grass & Air expanded our reach into outdoor play. Juco strengthened our position in specialist sportswear. Term Footwear added trusted school shoes, and Lelli Kelly Clothing is bringing fashion apparel expertise to the group.
Our brands
We started as a schoolwear business. We've grown into a group that covers every part of a child's day — and every part of a retailer's kids' offer.
Our milestones
Foundations
David Luke founded in Manchester by David Burgess and Adrian Luke. Built on strong values: quality, service, and trusted partnerships with independent retailers
Growing Through Partnerships
David Luke expands its product range, adds licenced Scout & Guide uniform to the portfolio and deepens relationships with schoolwear stockists across the UK
Sustainability Leadership
David Luke becomes an early pioneer in using recycled polyester in school uniforms, embedding responsible practice into the company's DNA
Expanding Our Brands
Grass & Air launches, our first expansion outside of School Uniform and JUCO, the group's first sportswear only brand is created
The Parently Group Is Formed
Recognising our shared purpose and growing brand family, we formalise a group identity: The Parently Group, rooted in David Luke's values and committed to supporting families and retail partners
Growing Our Family
Term Footwear strengthens our position in school shoes and Lelli Kelly Clothing adds licensed apparel
The Children's brands group
We strengthen our structure across brands, aligning design, sustainability, operations, and values. Our commitment to retailer success, quality products, and responsible growth becomes the common thread
Our people
The roots of our values and the way we do things at The Parently Group were planted at the outset of the business in 1982 by David Burgess and Adrian Luke, founders of David Luke our flagship brand. Their fun personalities and the value they placed on being ethical, fair and kind in the way they dealt with each other and anyone they did business with underpins our vision of The Parently Way.
These principles remain a fundamental part of who we are, guiding responsible business decision making, shaping our approach to growth and nurturing an engaged workforce which sees us attract and retain the most amazing people.