NORTHERN fashion brand Jules B is celebrating 40 years of business with a series of events in its stores. 

The business started in Jesmond, Newcastle in 1984. It has had a presence in Kendal for over two decades and took over David Kerr's shop with what is now a ladieswear outlet on the corner of Stramongate and Branthwaite Brow in 2004.

Mr Kerr had also ran a clothes business in Kendal out of the retail unit for many years before he started a new venture in Thailand.

The two Jules B stores on the corners of Brathwaite BrowThe two Jules B stores on the corners of Brathwaite Brow (Image: Leah Rushton) Directly opposite the ladieswear shop, there is also a menswear shop on Finkle Street.

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Julian and Rhona Blades, the owners of Jules B, said: "We’re both extremely proud to have been able to reach this milestone, when so many independent retailers have struggled to survive, but thanks to our amazing loyal customers and staff we have endured, and look forward to growing the business in the years to come.”

Rhona and Julian Blades, who started the business in Newcastle in 1984Rhona and Julian Blades, who started the business in Newcastle in 1984 (Image: Submitted)

The menswear and womenswear stores in Kendal are going to host an event on Thursday, October 24 to celebrate the anniversary. Guests can expect celebratory drinks, industry guests, meeting Julian and Rhona and exclusive discounts on AW24 collections and other gifting surprises. 

The Newcastle store on Osborne Road will also host an event the day before on Wednesday, 23. 

When Mr Kerr left his store in 2004, he told The Westmorland Gazette: "Julian will be good for Kendal. He is a good promoter with strong brands which will take the shop forward." 

The Blades had no previous experience of running their own business before they opened their first shop. However Rhona was a head lecturer in fashion design, and Julian was a self-employed fashion agent with a family heritage in tailoring. 

Along with the outlets, the brand also has an online store and an app which was launched in 2016. The online store has enabled Jules B products to be sold across the world.