A fashion and accessories firm has moved to a "bigger and better" HQ to accommodate its growing team - complete with beach hut pods, a new puppy, and plans for a photographic studio.
Continental Textiles has moved from Longford Trading Estate in Stretford to Avocado Court at the nearby Trafford Park following "strong expansion" for the distributor's beachwear and loungewear brands.
The 8,000 sq ft two-storey Greater Manchester building on Commerce Way was acquired from a print services company, and also features a breakout area for staff, purpose-built showrooms and open-plan offices. That's as well as managing director Jonathan’s six-month-old cavapoochon, Maggie, who had "taken to the hearts of staff".
Mr Crewe said the new space is a "vast improvement" on the former HQ, adding: “The move to larger premises was necessary as we were running out of space. Avocado Court is a massive improvement in every way and we’re very proud of our new headquarters.
“There’s a great buzz among the staff about the office layout and the facilities.
“They appreciate that we are putting a strong emphasis on wellness in the workplace and that we have invested to create an environment which sparks their creativity, is fun to work in and reflects our approach of looking after them in the best way possible.
“The team are key to our success, and everyone is excited by what we have done.”
Mr Crewe also said there are plans to create a photographic studio and more showrooms on the ground floor at a future stage.
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The company has recently increased employee numbers to 28 with new staff in its merchandise, buying and garment technology teams.
Continental Textiles was established in 1953 by Franz and Lilly Crewe to produce silk scarves. The business has expanded to become a creator and distributor of a wide range of swimwear, nightwear, fitness clothing and accessories.
Its products are imported and exported worldwide, and sold via high street stores, wholesalers and online retailers such as ASOS, Zalando, Namshi, PacSun, Forever21 and Footasylum.
Among its brands are South Beach and Loungeable.
Mr Crewe, who is the grandson of the founders, said “The business has traded well during the pandemic due to our broad range of products, and we see potential for further growth despite a very challenging market.
“When lockdown started, we saw most swimwear orders put on hold, but our loungewear and fitness ranges really took off.
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“Our brands have had a strong year overall, and we have opened new accounts with retailers such as Footasylum.
“A number of brand developments are in the pipeline to continue driving the business forward, and our new offices will give us the ability to expand our team further over the next few years.”
Tim Potter and Jo Gibson, of accountancy firm HURST, and Eoin Murphy, of BBS Law, advised Continental Textiles on the acquisition of its new premises. Robert Danson at HSBC Commercial Banking arranged funding for the deal.