Blackpool imports company in expansion

Trans-Continental, based at Amy Johnson Way in the town, has taken a lease at its first site outside Lancashire, in Nuneaton.

The 7,000sq ft showroom will showcase two of the company’s brands – Snowtime, a range of Christmas goods, and Suntime, including garden furniture and outdoor leisure equipment. It will be operational in the summer.

The Midlands expansion comes as the business completes the lease of a former aircraft hangar at Squires Gate Industrial Estate in Blackpool. The 64,000sq ft warehouse space will store goods prior to distribution around the world including the Far East, Europe and the US.

The two new facilities add to the existing showroom and HQ in Blackpool, and a showroom in Hong Kong.

Martin Long, commercial property partner at Napthens solicitors, advised the business on the expansion.

He said: “Trans-Continental has gone from strength-to-strength and it’s great to see a business founded in Lancashire doing so well, and expanding into new locations.”

Trans-Continental, founded in 1994, employs more than 150 staff, mainly in the UK with small teams in Hong Kong and China.

The group supplies more than 10,000 product lines to household names including the majority of UK garden centres.

Mike Withers, founder and managing director of Trans-Continental, added: “For a while we have considered opening a physical presence in the Midlands to better service our customers in the area and the south of the country.

“This will mean it is easier for customers to view products and for us to supply them quickly and efficiently.”