The BVG-Airflo Group – a highly successful multi-channel retailer – plans to expand operations at its headquarters in Brecon and create 55 new jobs with Welsh Government support.
The company has reached full capacity at its existing premises on Ffrwdgrech Industrial Estate and, subject to planning, intends to invest £2m in the design and build of new 30,000 sq ft head office premises on Brecon Enterprise Park to accommodate its growth plans.
A Welsh Government grant of £147,000 towards the capital investment has been offered to support the expansion in Wales as an option under consideration was to utilise spare capacity at the Group’s existing distribution facility near Skelmersdale.
The privately owned Group specialises in the sale and distribution of clothing and footwear, home and garden products, fishing tackle and equipment and sports nutrition products.
Economy Minister Edwina Hart said: “The BVG-Airflo Group is a Welsh success story founded in Wales by entrepreneur Iain Burgess and I am delighted the Welsh Government is supporting its plans to grow its operations in Wales.
“The company is a very important employer in the region and this expansion, subject to planning approval, would create a significant number of new jobs locally and bring benefits to the local economy.”
BVG-Airflo, which currently employs over 300 people of which 184 are located in Brecon, has increased revenues by over 70% and profits by nearly 300% in the last five years through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions.
The business founded by 1991 by Chief Executive Iain Burgess as a sole trader has grown to become a highly successful multi-channel retailer generating turnover in the region of £70m with an anticipated growth of more than £10m in sales over the next three years.
A £10m investment from the Business Growth Fund last year is fuelling this major growth phase which cannot be accommodated at its current premises.
Iain Burgess said: “The BVG-Airflo Group has recently embarked upon an ambitious growth strategy and its delivery will require modern office facilities that are fit for purpose and which can accommodate a substantial expansion in our workforce.
“ With the assistance of the grants team at accountants Broomfield & Alexander, we were put in touch with the right people at Welsh Government who moved swiftly to support our plans which will mean the local area benefits from the employment opportunities we will create.
“We would like to thank Welsh Government for their offer of a capital investment grant of almost £150,000 towards the new headquarters, which we plan to be available for occupation within 12 months.”