New jobs at former Laura Ashley HQ?

The UK's largest supplier of lambskins and sheepskins, as well as wools, pelts and hides, to garments manufacturers and retailers has bought the former Laura Ashley headquarters in Carno.

The site, which has been left empty since Laura Ashley pulled out of the village 10 years ago, will become part of West Yorkshire Fellmongers network of sites across the UK.

It is not known what part of the company's operations will be based at Carno, but new jobs are expected to be created as a result of the investment.

West Yorkshire Fellmongers already owns the former Hamer's abattoir at Dolwen, near Llanidloes.

It has other sites in Bradford, Derby, Lanceston, Ballinsdale, Hull and Cambridge.

In addition to supplying its products worldwide and in the UK, it also produces a range of sheepskin garments and accessories for retailers.

The Laura Ashley site was once the headquarters of international fashion and finishing empire Laura Ashley which was established in the village by Laura and Sir Bernard Ashley.

The company also manufactured curtains and other products at the site which employed hundreds in its heyday in the village, in addition to manufacturing sites in Newtown, Llanidloes and Machynlleth.

Today, the company has its warehouse, call centre and financial centre in Newtown, in addition to Texplan, a subsidiary of the company.

The headquarters used to be home to the executives and senior team, including designers until it was moved to Bagleys Lane in Fulham, London.

Caption: The entrance to the former Laura Ashley headquarters at Carno which has been acquired by West Yorkshire Fellmongers. ©OwainBetts