A SPECIALIST clothing giant tasked with supplying Team GB at the Rio 2016 Olympics has been named Supplier of the Year for Hotel, Catering, and Facilities Management.

Simon Jersey, based at Syke Side Drive in Altham, was honoured at the ecmod Direct Commerce Awards, which recognise excellence in multi-channel retialing.

Managing director James Saunders said: "Creating uniforms for hospitality businesses is at the heart of what we do. Our very first customer was a local pub and it’s fantastic to still be recognised as a leading supplier to the industry more than 40 years later.

“We go to great lengths to understand our hospitality customers’ needs. We’re very proud of both the range of products we offer and our customer service which includes plenty of advice on how to create the ideal uniform for your business.”

Simon Jersey, which has supplied uniforms to hospitality companies for more than 40 years, is said to have impressed the judges with both its product range and its service for businesses in the sector.

The company was presented with its award by Sky News anchor Dermot Murnaghan at the ceremony, which took place at the prestigious Hurlingham Club in London.

Last week, the Lancashire Telegraph revealed Simon Jersey wants to build onto its existing warehouse in Altham, add more spaces to its car park; build a new service yard and access road and outdoor seating area.

The 2,220 square metre extension would allow the official kit supplier to Team GB to hold even more stock as it continues to grow around the world.

In paperwork lodged with planning officers at Hyndburn Borough Council, the firm said: "The existing site is used as a corporate building consisting of offices, warehousing, distribution and ancillary service area and car parking.

"We feel that the new extension will upgrade and complement the existing and adjacent buildings, and provide a much needed storage capacity increase."

As part of the build, which would see a steel frame erected with colour-coated metal sheet cladding to match the existing building, a 'generous' landscape scheme would be included in the project, between the proposed car parking areas, which would see the number of spaces rise from 90 to 139, and Syke Side Drive and Shortenbrook Drive.

The building would be energy-efficient with solar panels installed, and would incorporate high security locks on every door and window.

A decision of the expansion plans will be made by the council in the near future.