A local soft furnishings manufacturer, based in Harleston, Norfolk is to create up to 100 new jobs in the area in the coming 12 months, following a massive expansion of its business.

Brian Fisher & Sons, a family firm specialising in hand-made & machine sewn curtains and soft furnishings, hopes to expand by over 200%, with the workforce increasing from 40 to approximately 140 over the coming year. The expansion will allow the company to cope with orders from their existing trade customers which have increased year on year, as well as to target new contracts.

Stephen Fisher, Company Director, said:

“Here at Brian Fisher & Sons we pride ourselves on working to the traditional values our father introduced when he first started the business. However, as the industry has progressed, we have moved with it, to ensure that we can meet market demands. The expansion is part of this process and will allow us to continue to develop and evolve the business.”.

To help them plan Phase One of the expansion and enlist the first wave of recruits, Brian Fisher & Sons are working with Jobcentre Plus and local training providers, EYS, who have designed a bespoke training programme devised to give successful applicants the skills required for their new role.  In addition, the company is creating up to nine apprenticeships for teenagers looking for a career in this industry, as well as recruiting production, administrative and development staff, and interviews are currently taking place for the key position of Business Development Manager.

They begin the process by hosting an Open Day on Friday 12th February. The event will take place at The Apollo Club in Mendham Lane in Harleston, where hour long group sessions will be held from 9am, with the last session finishing at 4pm. Anyone interested in roles within the company should contact Karen Scott at The Jobcentre Plus (Diss) on 01379 614333.

The move could not have come at a better time, as Brian Fisher & Sons celebrate their 25th year in business. Now run by identical twin brothers Paul and Stephen Fisher, the company was established by their father, Brian, who set up his first workroom with a vision to create only the finest handmade, hand sewn curtains to his trade customers. Today, Brian Fisher & Sons boasts an impressive client list, including major UK department stores, Liberty and interior designers in the UK and abroad; and the company prides itself on its innovative approach, outstanding quality and customer service.

The brothers hope that as well as growing their family business, the expansion will be a great boost to the local economy and to Norfolk as a whole.