Portas takes space for knicker factory

MARY Portas, the retail consultant advising the government on the UK’s high streets, has secured factory space in Middleton, north Manchester, for her new TV series.

Following on from her most recent Mary Queen of Frocks show where she attempted to set up her own retail chain from scratch, Portas is working on a show aimed at reviving the fortunes of the clothing industry.

The show, which has a working title of Mary’s Knickers, is still in its early stages, but a spokeswoman for programme maker Endemol said Portas would open a production line “to manufacture 100% British knickers”.

“Mary will recruit eight apprentices, train them, and set up her own production line to produce quality knickers at reasonable prices,” said the spokeswoman.

She will then attempt to find retailers prepared to stock British-made knickers.

Portas has already begun working with a training company based in Warwick Mill, Inspire, to recruit apprentices for the factory.

The programme is set to air early next year.

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