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Manchester online lighting distributor, LSE Retail Group , has launched an office in China as it pushes ahead with ambitious growth plans and expands its global supplier network.
The company behind brands Value Lights, Iconic Lights and MiniSun has opened the office in Shekou, in the Shenzhen province close to Hong Kong, and has recruited three people from the local area, with plans to hire a fourth staff member by the end of 2016.
It comes as LSE was named the fastest-growing medium-sized business by the 2016 Ward Hadaway Greater Manchester Fastest 50 Companies list and was ranked number one on the Investec Mid-Market 100 league table in 2015.
David Gutfreund, managing director of LSE, said: “With the vast majority of LSE’s products sourced in China, the role of the new team will be to maintain our high quality standards, oversee logistics and source new suppliers to extend our ever-increasing range of lighting.
“The business is going from strength to strength and we’re seeing a 50% year-on-year growth rate, with each financial year performing at a record level. We’re constantly recruiting at our head office in Eccles, Greater Manchester, in order to keep up with increasing demand for products across all three of our brands.”
All staff members at the China office were recruited locally and LSE sourced the candidates directly, using contacts made through its existing supplier chain. The team will also be responsible for product development and will work closely with members of the Manchester team.
“With the new direct flight routes between Manchester and China and the Airport City industrial park under construction, links between the north west and the Far East, have arguably never been stronger.
“We’re extremely excited to be part of this powerful relationship at a time when the region’s economy is flourishing and setting a strong example to the rest of the UK and Europe,” David said.
