A former Laura Ashley factory in Newtown has been bought by a fashion business with a coronavirus loan worth £250,000.
Fashion Enter, a non-profit social enterprise, secured quarter of a million pounds from HSBC UK’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan to buy the 15,000ft facility to help expand the business and protect 77 jobs in the area.
Jenny Holloway, CEO of Fashion-Enter, said: “After visiting the factory for the first time in the lead up to the purchase, I was taken aback by the kindness and generosity of the people. One of our principle motives behind expanding the business into Wales was to protect the jobs of so many highly-skilled workers. We couldn’t just say goodbye to people who have dedicated up to 40 years of their lives to the industry and local economy.”
Highly-skilled stitchers, many who have up to 40 years’ experience, were at risk of losing their jobs but have been recruited by Fashion-Enter to sample, grade and produce its own garments for high-profile British retailers including ASOS.
One of the 77 local workers who has worked at the Newtown factory for 13 years is Anwen Johnson. She said: “I was overwhelmed by how supportive and sincere Fashion-Enter were during the takeover. We’ve all worked together at the factory for so many years, creating memories along the way and building more than just working relationships.
“We’re such a tight-knit community here in Newtown. To help break the ice during Jenny’s first visit to the factory, I thought it would be a nice idea to bake a cake for everyone to enjoy – it’s the least we could do as she’s given us back our jobs.”
Fashion-Enter will be launching a 12-month apprenticeship programme at the new factory, enabling up to 30 local apprentices to develop their skills alongside some of the most experienced stitchers in the industry.
Ms Holloway added: “Our experienced stitchers will become a key asset for the business moving forwards. Not only will they play an important role in our growth plans in Wales but they will also assist the learning and development of new apprentices over the next year. Thanks to the support from our Relationship Manager at HSBC UK, Amran Miah, the business has become even stronger and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
Richard Gimblett, Area Director for Business Banking in London City, HSBC UK, added: “Fashion-Enter has managed to expand its presence across the UK and protect vital jobs in the local community in an incredibly challenging year. HSBC UK was pleased to provide a CBILS loan to support the purchase of its new factory in Wales, and we look forward to continuing to work with the business as it realises its future growth ambitions.”
