New jobs created at clothing company Joules

A fast-growing clothing company has created 162 jobs across the country.

Joules, which has its head office in Market Harborough, has taken over a new building in the town, where 24 of the new jobs are located.

In total it now employs 121 people in Leicestershire out of a workforce of around 400.

The outdoor clothing company has seen annual sales soar from £3m to £34m since 2004, with a 52% rise in turnover last year.

Now it has taken over a new 6,000 sq ft office building in Harborough to create a showroom.

The building is around the corner from the company's existing head offices in Rockingham Road, Market Harborough, at a development called The Point.

Dylan Richards, head of operations, said "Gaining the extra building at The Point has played a crucial part in the quick expansion of Joules. We now have the additional space to aid our trade and retail divisions to grow.

"The company now has almost 400 employees nationwide and we have ambitious growth plans for the future. This building is another important step in supporting that growth."

The new building will house the sales and conferencing areas of the business and have a permanent display area for showing the company's products to visitors.

Harborough MP Edward Garnier visited the site last week and has also praised the recession-defying growth.

He said: "What is so encouraging for the local economy and employment scene is that we are seeing such confidence demonstrated in what for many companies throughout the country is a time of economic difficulty."

The new Joules building was the last phase of The Point to sell.

Built by Westleigh Developments, of Whetstone, the site comprises 130,000 sq ft of office accommodation. Companies on the site include IT, financial and travel firms.

Matt Moore, Westleigh property director, said: "We are delighted to announce the completion of this scheme after the sale of the final building to Joules. Its purchase of a second building here is a testament to the success of the development, which has provided space for around 30 businesses and resulted in a huge boost for Market Harborough."

He said the companies at The Point had relocated from Market Harborough town centre, Leicester and further afield. Three of the firms relocated from London.