Fancy dress firm backs UK manufacturing after loan
A STOKE-ON-TRENT fancy dress firm is reversing the trend for moving production to China by siting its manufacturing operation in the Potteries.
Party Shop Supplies Ltd – trading as Charlie Crow – manufactures children’s’ fancy dress costumes.
It has invested in new machinery after securing a five-figure loan from business support fund Michelin Development. The investment has enabled the firm to centralise around 80% of its production at its North Staffordshire premises and in turn create three new full-time jobs, with a fourth to be added in the New Year.
Up until last year, 50% of Party Shop Supplies Ltd’s production was based in China, but the loan from Michelin Development has enabled it to base its manufacturing operation in the UK, protecting jobs.
Sue Crowder, managing director of the firm, said: “By moving our production process back to our Stoke-on-Trent premises, it has enabled us to be more flexible in meeting the demands of the market.
“We can now produce new designs and styles that fit with the demands of the market, such as our new Kings and Queens range, which was generated in response to this year’s Royal Wedding.
“All of this has been in possible due to the great financial assistance and advice from Michelin Development. At a time when we have been stonewalled by the traditional lenders such as the banks, Michelin Development has been there to provide us with the finance to fund our expansion plans.”
Along with taking on more staff, 2012 promises to be a positive year for Party Shop Supplies Ltd, with plans to expand further into US and Australian markets, alongside the current footholds they have in European markets. This includes a first time appearance at a large US trade show in Houston. This is set for the New Year and will spearhead US expansion plans.
Mike Cole, Michelin Development director, said: “It’s great to be able to support a company in the manufacturing sector which is dedicated to siting its production process predominantly here in North Staffordshire, with all the benefits in terms of jobs and investment that brings to the region.”
