AN ONLINE business that sells famous fashion brands at discount prices will have more staff and a bigger warehouse after winning a council grant.

Highstreet Outlet plans to expand its staff team as well as getting a new website and bigger premises to house a wider variety of stock.

BCP Council has been investing in businesses which are either struggling because of Covid or have shown great potential for growth.

Poole-based Highstreet Outlet fell into the growth category, scoring highly against the council’s criteria of innovation, deliverability, community benefit and an ability to create “pride in place”.

It will move from the Nuffield Industrial Estate to Benridge Park Industrial Estate in Creekmoor.

Company directors Katrina Day and Julie Burden said: “We’re delighted to receive this grant which will help us in our ambitious plans for growth. We truly love what we do, and being able to create opportunities for employment here in Dorset is what drives us on.

“We are planning to further develop our website and obtain larger premises to enable us to extend our ladies wear product range, as well as menswear and home wear.

“Most importantly we cannot wait to extend our team and create further opportunities within the company for our current colleagues.”

The family-run Highstreet Outlet started as a home business 15 years ago and specialises in surplus and past season clothing.

Cllr Philip Broadhead, deputy leader and cabinet member for the economy at BCP Council, said: “Following a competitive application process, we are pleased to award this grant to Highstreet Outlet.

“This project is just one of many innovative initiatives that our latest package of discretionary business support will now bring to life.

“It will contribute towards Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s reputation as a place where businesses can continue to flourish and grow.”

The directors added: “We are planning to further develop our website and obtain larger premises to enable us to extend our ladies wear product range, as well as menswear and home wear.Most importantly we cannot wait to extend our team and create further opportunities within the company for our current colleagues.”