Business park distribution centre is perfect fit for clothing brand

Fashion brand, Lucy and Yak, has opened a new distribution centre at the Gateway 36 Business Park, in Barnsley.

Created by Barnsley-born Lucy Greenwood and Chris Renwick in 2017, the independent retailer has grown to become a popular clothing provider with shops in cities such as Brighton, Bristol, Nottingham and a new store which will open its doors in Manchester’s Northern Quarter next month.

The new 40,000 sq ft site in Hoyland will see the company move from its previous home, a 10,000-sq ft unit in Wombwell, where it manufactured scrubs, scrub caps and bags for frontline workers in local NHS hospitals during the pandemic.

Councillor Robert Frost, Barnsley Council’s Cabinet spokesman for regeneration and culture, said: “It’s brilliant to see Lucy and Yak moving into a new site and staying in the borough.

“For such a well-known fashion brand to continue to operate from Barnsley demonstrates the potential and opportunities we can offer to businesses.

“Our award-winning Enterprising Barnsley business support team are proud to have paid their part by assisting the company in identifying local properties for their expansion as well as providing specialist business coaching support.

“It’s clear Lucy and Chris have not forgotten their roots and are investing in Barnsley, giving something back by providing skilled job opportunities for local people.”

Greenwood said: “I still can’t believe how far we have come in six years from our first distribution centre being in my parents’ basement in Kendray to now having this beautiful new distribution centre and providing so many jobs to people from my hometown. It feels weird seeing my name on such a huge building.”

Renwick added: “We’re really proud to continue growing in Barnsley, Lucy’s hometown, and creating more jobs for the wonderful Barnsley locals.”