Dukinfield-based uniform and laundry firm Tibard to create 20 jobs

A family-owned uniforms and laundry services business in Greater Manchester is creating a raft of employment opportunities as it heads for a record year.

Dukinfield-based Tibard is on track to achieve a revenue of £16.9m this year, up from £15m in 2016.

As a result of the growth, which is attributed to new contract wins and increased repeat business from existing clients, the company wants to recruit around 20 staff over the next two years and secure additional space to accommodate expansion.

Founded by chairman John Shonfeld in 1979, Tibard produces 10k items of clothing each week for chefs, front-of-house, kitchen staff and others in the hospitality sector.

Today, the firm’s client base encompasses 1,500 restaurants, including Pizza Express, Wagamama, Yo! Sushi and a number of independent hotels, nightclubs, cafés and restaurants.

The founder’s son, commercial director Rick Shonfeld, said explained that the company needs additional space for new machinists, cutters, warehouse and sales staff, as well as increased storage for its expanding range.

He said: “Adding space and staff is essential as we continue to grow the business and reduce order lead times.

“We currently occupy 22,000 sq ft but we need between 30,000 sq ft and 40,000 sq ft. We are literally bursting at the seams.”

Speaking further, Rick said a key focus for the business now is to work on driving online and overseas sales.

Internet orders currently account for 6% of Tibard’s overall revenue, but the plan is to grow that figure to 25% by the end of 2018. Last year, Tibard launched an online portal called Cloud Stores to make the ordering process simpler and more efficient.

Tibard has also secured contracts in Scandinavia and the Middle East for bespoke hospitality uniforms, but Rick believes there is potential to grow exports further.

He added: “We see lots of scope to expand our overseas presence given the favourable currency climate.”

Tibard employs 110 in Dukinfield and a further 40 at its Ashton-under-Lyne-based laundry, where it cleans chefs’ wear, table linen, napkins and other items for restaurants and hotels.

Additionally, the firm operates via a network of over 30 independent laundries around the UK.

A team from North West accountancy and business advisory firm HURST is helping Tibard with its growth strategy.

HURST partner Simon Brownbill commented: “We are delighted to be working with Tibard’s owners and management team to help develop and implement their plans while also providing a full range of accountancy services.

“Tibard is a well-run, family-owned business which is constantly aiming to innovate and expand, and can look to the future with confidence.”

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