A Cumbrian hospitality supplier has commissioned and opened a new 10,000 sq ft fully operational warehouse two months ahead of schedule.

Out of Eden, in Kirkby Stephen, supplies the UK hospitality sector with product ranges covering everything from toiletries and towels, bed linen and bathrobes to bedroom equipment and professional housekeeping supplies.

Established by Ian and Janet Hartley in 1993 and employing a team of over 80, the business is now celebrating the biggest expansion in its history.

When the coronavirus pandemic hit the UK back in March the majority of Out of Eden's customers were forced to close their doors.

However, the business has continued trading throughout the lockdown period and maintained healthy stock levels at their existing facilities.

Out of Eden’s range of hospitality products has continued to grow throughout the year, with increasing demand to source and supply sanitising products, PPE and essential social distancing equipment.

The business made the decision to press ahead with the construction of the new warehouse, a facility which would be capable of housing the majority of their stock and create capacity for the many new product lines.

“There aren’t many construction projects that manage to hit their deadlines, let alone get completed ahead of schedule," said founder Janet Hartley.

“Throw Covid into the mix and it really shows what a great achievement this has been for all involved.”

Managing director Mike Gannon said: “Such high order levels and demand for Covid-19 products meant an increased pressure on our logistics.

"Things would have been far more challenging without our new warehouse and the essential extra space it provided, so it’s a real success story during such an unpredictable time.”

Given the restrictions imposed on hospitality businesses and their inability to welcome guests during the lockdown months, Out of Eden was still able to continue trading and fulfil orders while others were having to temporarily cease trading.

A combination of the existing warehouse and the new building coming on-line meant that healthy stock levels could be maintained, allowing the business to supply customers with the products they needed.

Mike said: “Following an uncertain start to the year, we are delighted to be in this brilliant new warehouse, built to our specification and designed to meet our needs for today and the years ahead."

The whole project took just under a year from initial discussions and planning to completion and handover.

The original target of late June was considered ambitious at the start, yet the facility was ready and operational in early May.

“This new warehouse is a testament to our commitment to future business growth and showcases our capability for serving each and every customer need, from bed and breakfasts and guest houses to larger scale hotel groups and cruise liners," said Mike.

"Combined with our premises on the northern edge of Kirkby Stephen, we can now boast 28,000 sq ft of storage which holds our entire product catalogue.

“The hospitality sector has been through a horrendous time over recent months and we all know that we’re not out of the woods yet.

"Our investment in this new warehouse means we can hold more stock lines and in greater volumes, building real resilience in the business and being ready to meet the needs of our customers.”