100 jobs to be created as floor coverings distributor expands
More than 100 jobs will be created across Likewise Group’s UK business as the floor covering distributor develops its logistics infrastructure.
Based in Birmingham, Likewise says it’s on track for £100m turnover as it expands its transport floor from 108 to more than 150 vehicles.
The firm was launched in January 2019 by former Headlam directors Tony Brewer and Andrew Simpson and includes other businesses such as Lewis Abbott, Factory Flooring, H&V Carpets, A&A, Valley Wholesale Carpets Ltd, and the recently acquired Delta Carpets.
Chief executive Tony Brewer said: “Our new Birmingham depot at Radial Park on Birmingham Business Park is now operational and this doubles the carpet capacity for the Likewise branded businesses.
“Construction is underway for a new distribution centre in Glasgow and the business in Newcastle has now moved into an enlarged facility adjacent to its previous location.”
Likewise is continuing its search to relocate A&A into significantly larger premises in the North West, and in the South, the group is also establishing a new logistics centre in Newbury to service the south of the UK.
The group has obtained planning permission to extend the freehold distribution centre in Sudbury and is currently working on constructing the extension in the most cost-effective method while keeping with the original design concept. This development will allow Likewise Rugs & Matting to increase product offering and service to its diverse customer base.
Construction is also due to commence to extend the freehold distribution centre in Derby by 20%, and a new carpet cutting machine is on order to increase the cutting capacity in Valley.
When this machine is operational, it will allow Valley and Likewise to operate from the currently unused distribution centre in Newport, South Wales. This will take both businesses into new geographical territories of South Wales and South West England.
Tony Brewer said: “As this huge rollout of our logistics infrastructure continues over the next two years, we will be constantly recruiting to keep pace with our expansion.”
He added that trading in the first three months of 2022 is ahead of internal budgets.
Likewise will release its final results for the year ended 31 December 2021 on 24 May 2022.
