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HOTSPOTS CHORLEY By Rob Kelly
RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME
Botany Bay 17 Categories across all industries and career stages
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Chorley’s strategic location at the heart of Lancashire is helping attract investment, support business growth and strengthen the borough’s reputation as a major centre for logistics, manufacturing and industrial development.
Transport, logistics and storage is one of Chorley’s fastest-growing sectors, employing 1,875 people, up by 50 per cent since 2015.
The borough’s appeal to industrial occupiers is reflected in demand for commercial space, with Chorley Council receiving more than 1,000 inward investment enquiries for industrial units since 2006. Retail has attracted more than 700 enquiries.
Major developments including Matrix Park, Botany Bay, Buckshaw Village and Strawberry Fields have expanded the supply of high-quality commercial space, helping attract businesses ranging from manufacturers to technology-led logistics companies.
Businesses based in Chorley say the combination of location, modern employment sites and access to a skilled workforce is supporting expansion, while commercial property specialists continue to report strong demand for industrial space.
Global tech-driven fulfilment provider fulfilmentcrowd, headquartered at Buckshaw Village, is among the companies benefiting from Chorley’s location.
In October, Lancashire Business View reported the business had surpassed £20m in annual revenue for the first time after recording a 27 per cent increase. EBITDA almost doubled to £3.1m, while international revenues accounted for more than 29 per cent of total group revenue.
Chief executive Lee Thompson says: “Our global headquarters is based in Chorley, alongside our high-efficiency UK DTC hub from which we shipped nearly three million items in 2025.
“Chorley has played a fundamental role in our growth, providing exceptional connectivity and specialist local talent.
“With an international airport 30 miles away, excellent rail connections, direct access to the UK’s major north-south and east-west motorway networks, and carrier superhubs in nearby Warrington, Chorley provides the ideal base for serving customers across the UK and internationally.
“Just as importantly, Lancashire offers a strong pipeline of skilled professionals across engineering, computer science and operations – expertise that underpins our tech-first fulfilment model.
“As we’ve grown, we’ve continued to invest in our people and our Chorley operation, creating a long-term, highly skilled workforce while building a business capable of supporting ambitious brands as they expand globally.”
Brysdales works in the racking, shelving, and material handling equipment sector and operates from a 42,000 sq ft industrial unit on Chorley North Industrial Park.
Elizabeth Porter, managing director, and Charlotte Jones, head of central services, say Chorley has played a key role in their journey and they currently employ 69 this year.
Elizabeth says: “Previously we were on Walton Summit and that was a lot bigger estate and it was more expensive to be there, Chorley is much more cost effective. Our current site has supported our growth because of the size of it and it is so well connected.
“We are also supported by the local council with people such as economic development manager Phil Owen always looking to see if they can help us with projects. They are investing in local businesses where it is necessary.
“We have invested massively, around £350,000, into the business and that is to bring customers to see how we are advancing. It is good to invest in a site you own.”
Elizabeth adds they are also recruiting locally. “We have quite a few members of staff who live in Chorley, so it is good for the labour market and there’s a great workforce available.
“It depends on the type of people we are recruiting for but if I am looking for production staff or installers to have them local to the business is beneficial.”
Charlotte says: “Chorley is well supported by ongoing investment and strong infrastructure. That environment creates opportunities not just for expansion, but for collaboration and innovation across the sector.
“Our site is a key hub for all our operations, allowing us to design, manufacture and deliver dynamic storage solutions to customers across the UK and beyond.
“It provides the right foundations for companies like ours to invest, grow, and continue supporting the evolving needs of the logistics industry.”
Award-winning manufacturer Kelmore has also built its growth from a Chorley base.
The business, which manufactures high- performance products for the tiling and flooring industries, has operated from Strawberry Fields since it was established in 2020.
Founder and managing director Mark Kelly says: “When we were searching for a new
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