30 jobs created as Wragby beehive business EH Thorne relocates

THIRTY jobs will be created when a Lincolnshire business relocates.

EH Thorne (Beehives) Ltd has been granted planning approval by West Lindsey District Council to relocate to the district.

EH Thorne managing director Paul Smith and director Gill Smith outside the Wragby premises.

Paul Smith, the firm's managing director, said: "This is an exciting development for our company. We have been on our present site in the centre of Wragby for almost 100 years and outgrown the space available."

Mr Smith said turnover for the business had increased by 40 per cent in 2009 – compared with 2008.

To capitalise on the growth, the business needed more space, better facilities and more up-to-date machinery.

It is hoped the move to the former Rand Group site in Church Lane, Rand, Market Rasen, will be complete by January.

Mr Smith said: "With the purchase of the Rand site, we will have the space to grow the company to meet the current demand for beekeeping equipment."

The move from Wragby in neighbouring East Lindsey to West Lindsey will also ensure 64 employees retain their jobs.

It is hoped by next year at least 95 full-time people will be employed by the company, which manufactures beekeeping and candle-making equipment.

Mr Smith said: "We would like to thank West Lindsey District Council, Innovations Lincolnshire, East Lindsey District Council and the East Midlands Development Agency for their fantastic help and support.

"The Planning and Economic Regeneration departments of West Lindsey District Council were efficient and helpful and ensured our application was processed smoothly."

West Lindsey District Council has worked closely with the company from the pre- application stage to the decision notice being issued.

Rachel Gregory, planning officer for West Lindsey District Council, said: "It was important an appropriate use was found for the 32-acre site, but it had to be a use which would not adversely affect the amenity of the surrounding countryside, highways safety or near neighbours living conditions.

"Overall, this was considered to be a sustainable use for the site and a benefit to the local rural community."

There will be some internal alterations to the new site, which will include the creation of a showroom and storage and distribution area within the existing office building.

Some of the existing workshops will be used for manufacturing processes.