A FASHION firm which is fast becoming one of Burnley’s most prominent private employers has seen revenues increase by nearly a third year-on-year.

Boohoo, which has a growing presence on the Heasandford industrial estate, has seen revenues grow to just under £140million for the end of their financial year – a leap of 27 per cent worldwide and 33 per cent in the UK.

And the workforce in Burnley, on the back of a major warehousing extension, had swelled by 235 workers by the end of February, according to the latest trading statement.

The 110,000 square foot development at the Widow Hill Road site should be on course to bring 360 positions to the borough upon completion, which would result in a total workforce of between 750 and 800.

Bosses have spent £7million on creating the extra space and have installed a £1.5million warehouse management system for the Burnley operation, with pickers using arm-mounted WiFi units to boost efficiency. Joint chief executive Mahmud Kamani said: “We have converted a large number of warehouse operatives’ contracts from agency to permanent and revised our pay structure to attract and retain capable and experienced teams to meet the demands of our expanding business .”

The company, which has its headquarters in Dale Street, Manchester, is now planning to expand its American, Australian, French and Irish markets in the coming 12 months.

Carol Kane, joint CEO, added: “Our customers’ reaction to our product ranges across markets continues to be very encouraging and we are excited by our new launches including petite, fit and forthcoming tall collections and the success of our rapidly growing plus size collection.”