Our Team
Ernest Stobbs: Co-Founder
Ernie has a background as a sales professional in construction materials. He is also an avid sportsman and an experienced fashion retail consultant.
Through his consultancy firm, Ernest Consultancy, Ernie has been the UK representative for a number of global brands. His work has entailed establishing partnerships with a number of professional football clubs including Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City and celebrities such as former England international Teddy Sheringham. He has since expanded into sponsorship, advertising, event management and public relations.
An avid footballer and cyclist, Ernie plays for Farway United and can also be seen regularly on cross country rides. His pursuits led him to become increasingly demanding of his sportswear. Lamenting the lack of quality and options from traditional big-name suppliers, Ernie came up with the only solution he could trust: doing it himself.
In 2018, Ernie formed STINGZ™ with his business partner, Midori Lai.
Midori Lai: Co-Founder and Creative Director
Midori “Mim” Lai started her career as a fashion designer, having graduated from the Caritas Bianchi College where she majored in Fashion and Textiles. She later moved into graphic design, which in turn led to successful stints as a creative consultant and stylist for a number of reputable brands including Giordano and Kappa.
Several years ago, Mim was approached by an activewear company to render her first sportswear design template. Unimpressed by the one-dimensional approach to technical apparel design at the time, she questioned why sportswear could not be unique and bespoke.
This paved the way for the inception of STINGZ™, which she would later form with Ernie Stobbs.
Mark Loynd: Honorary Advisor
Mark is a seasoned Rugby player and a former member of the Hong Kong XV's national squad.
The loose-head prop participated in the 1999 Asian Championships and the 2003 Rugby World Cup Qualifiers. He has played in numerous test matches, including those against Japan and Western Australia.
He has spent his entire club career at Causeway Bay RFC in Hong Kong, although he played for the Aberystwyth University Men’s Rugby Club while studying Law in Wales.
Mark acts as an honorary advisor to STINGZ™, making recommendations on fabric performance and fit.
Lisa Bright: Media & Communications
Lisa is a journalist, editor and production specialist. With over 12 years experience, Lisa has written for a series of outlets that includes one of the UK’s largest independently-owned media companies.
Lisa has also worked for the BBC, Channel 4 and several production houses as a producer and director.
Her extensive network, which spans sports associations across the country, has been invaluable to STINGZ's™ growth.