John Truslove helps Orchard grow into new branch

John Truslove helps Orchard grow into new branch A workwear business set up by a husband and wife just seven years ago is now supplying uniforms for most of the schools in Redditch from a brand new home, thanks to help from business property agents John Truslove. As a result of growing demand for its uniforms in the town, Orchard Clothing has just moved to its fourth set of new premises with the help of the Redditch-based property agency. Orchard Clothing managing director Ray Eyre said the new 4,810 sq ft unit at 30 Dunlop Road, Hunt End Industrial Estate in Redditch, would enable the business to consolidate after a period of rapid growth. It will also enable Orchard Clothing to take more work in-house that had been outsourced, leading to new jobs over the coming months. “We are in the process of taking on two more full-timers, so we will have around 16 people after starting out with just two of us,” said Mr Eyre. “John Truslove has advised us all along the way, helping us to find the right premises at every stage of our growth.” Ben Truslove, joint managing director at John Truslove, said: “It has been a great pleasure to help Orchard Clothing continue to grow over recent years, working with South Street Capital to ensure a satisfactory deal for all involved. This is an excellent estate, as evidenced by its high level of take-up.” The company sells school uniforms, workwear, corporate clothing and sportswear and was originally set up by Mr Eyre and his wife Sara as a business-to-business supplier. But in its first year, in 2012, one school asked Orchard Clothing to sell direct to its parents. That side of the business continued to expand, especially after the closure of Orchard’s largest local competitor in Redditch last year. “There are a number of other suppliers around the area, but we are now the only mainstream retailer in Redditch and supply most schools in the town,” said Mr Eyre. “We also have a national online business which we run in co-operation with a leading fulfilment centre and a number of contract embroiderers, but we are planning on bringing some of that work back in-house with new computer-assisted machinery and additional staff.” “It means a new era for our business as we consolidate everything here over the next couple of years, giving us more control over our national business alongside the service we provide for schools and families in Redditch.” Richard Henley of South Street Capital, asset managers for the industrial estate’s landlords, said: “It is very satisfying to see a company like this go from strength to strength on the estate, from its small beginnings to its current position. We look forward to seeing Orchard Clothing continue as a strong presence at Hunt End Industrial Estate. “As always it was a pleasure to work with John Truslove, who have unrivalled knowledge of the local commercial property market. We now have two final units of around 1,200 sq ft available on the estate, which Orchard Clothing are relocating from as part of this deal, and we are already receiving good levels of interest.” The landlord was represented by London law firm Clyde & Co LLP.

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