Member Article

Tees family footwear retailer Charles Clinkard to open new £3 million head office

North East family firm Charles Clinkard has unveiled plans for a new £3 million head office and warehouse to manage the rising levels of stock needed to meet its online sales.

The company is building its new head office and warehouse on the site of the former ‘At Home’ store at Cannon Park in Middlesbrough.

Work is likely to start in April on the 5,000 sqm building.

The lease on the company’s current head office and warehouse at Eveline House at Preston Farm expires later this year.

It provided the perfect opportunity for the company to identify a new location to grow its operation, not least of which is its increasing online market.

The company is forecast to achieve £6 million in online sales this year, with that figure expected to rise to £10 million over the next three years.

More than 90 people are employed in the head office and warehouse and as online sales increase Charles Clinkard is hopeful more jobs will be created.

The company estimates that for every £1 million increase in online sales five jobs will be created.

Local companies and a local labour force will be used on the construction wherever possible.

Managing director Charles Clinkard said: “We haven’t worked out the finer details yet as the deal is still going through but it will be great for the business.

“It will take us around six months to rebuild and we’re hoping to open it in January 2016.

“The new space will hold a lot more stock and this will set us up for the future, providing us with the opportunity to grow to the next level.”

Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Charles Clinkard’s HQ back to Middlesbrough, complementing their existing shop’s presence on Corporation Road.

“This announcement is great news for Middlesbrough town centre.

“The company is a distinguished name in retail and we should be proud both that it began life here and that it is now returning.

“The development will be fantastic for the local economy and will bring with it numerous benefits to the town.”