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Boohoo Group opens new factory and training centre in Leicester

Tom Shearsmith
08 April 2022

Boohoo Group has opened its first 23,000 sq. ft. garment factory in Leicester, serving as a ‘centre of excellence’ to reintroduce skills in garment manufacturing that have been lost in the UK over time.

The new multi-million pound site includes office space and will be used to train Boohoo's own product teams’ in responsible purchasing and the technical aspects of garment production.

The company is also in talks with local education providers about hosting students and other groups who are keen to learn about garment manufacturing and the UK fashion industry.

Production at the factory is already underway and has created around 180 new jobs for local people. In a change from the traditional way of operating a garment factory, this state of the art facility will operate across two shifts, creating double the job opportunities and greater flexibility for the team.

All workers at the site will enjoy the full range of benefits for Boohoo Group employees, including private medical care and training and development programs. Further staff benefits include:

• Guaranteed 40 hour contracts
• 33 days paid holiday
• Free shares in the boohoo group
• 40% employee discount on all brands

The new factory opening was attended by Mayor of Leicester, Sir Peter Soulsby, along with other local dignitaries and representatives from NGOs including Kevin McKeever, Chair of the Garment & Textile Workers’ Trust and Tim Nelson, CEO of Hope for Justice.

Speaking after the event, Boohoo Group CEO John Lyttle said: “This is a landmark moment for us and is a very visible demonstration of our commitment to Leicester and UK garment manufacturing. By operating the site as a centre of excellence, we want to bring back skills that have been lost over time and help our suppliers to diversify their product offerings, meaning they can win business from other retailers who we are hoping will be tempted to start sourcing from the UK again.

“It has been a difficult few years but I am confident there is a bright future ahead and today marks the start of a new chapter for the garment industry here in Leicester.”

For insight into how Boohoo Group copes with fluctuating demand and external market forces beyond its control, listen to our podcast with Supply Chain Director David James.

Last month, Boohoo Group announced a partnership with CottonConnect, an organisation which works with farmers in Pakistan to grow cotton using more sustainable production methods.

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