New Huggables home will spark growth

Toy supplier Huggables is planning growth and job creation after expanding its presence in Thornton with a new 11,000 sq ft warehouse.

The family-run business supplies a variety of soft and plastic toys throughout the UK and has been operating in the leisure, amusement and retail industries for more than 25 years.

Many of its products can be found in the arcades of seaside towns like Blackpool and Lytham St Annes.

The acquisition of a new warehouse facility in Thornton will accommodate increased demand from new markets. Huggables will now also be able to display products in the facility’s showroom space and increase stock capacity.

The premises are expected to facilitate a 15 per cent increase in annual turnover and create multiple jobs over the next 12 months.

Neil Chidlaw, managing director of Huggables, said: “Our new Thornton facility meets all our criteria and means we can comfortably welcome both new and existing customers to view our latest product ranges.

"The additional space also enables us to buy higher quantities of current and new stock allowing us to offer our customers greater choice at the same great value.”

The acquisition was made with the support of six-figure funding package from HSBC. Laura Lea, commercial manager for HSBC in Lancashire, added: “Huggables has a strong record in the industry and a loyal customer-base locally. We are keen to harness this and work with the team to help them with growth across the UK. The team has ambitious plans for its new facility and I’m looking forward to seeing the business reach its objectives.”