New clothing store set to create six new jobs OUTDOOR clothing chain Mountain Warehouse is opening a brand new 2,000 sq ft store at Finkle Street, Kendal, on November 24. Mountain Warehouse has 33 stores across the UK and Europe with stores in Ireland, Austria and the Czech Republic, and specialises in end-of-line, clearance merchandise which it sells at big discounts, usually at least 30 per cent off the usual retail price. Store manager Jason Hine is enthusiastic about the company’s move into South Lakeland: “This will be a brand new offering for Kendal. We have created six new jobs and made a significant investment in the store.”

Get in pole position

BUSINESSES are being offered the chance to be in pole position for contracts to supply goods and services to the oil, gas and renewable energy industries in Furness. Up to ten firms can attend a free workshop on November 27, which will help them to gear up for new business using the so-called first point assessment scheme. “The workshop will enable firms to start out on the road qualifying to bid for a much wider range of oil and gas-related work by joining the scheme,” said Stuart Klosinski of Furness Enterprise, which is organising the event. For more details, ring 01229-820611.Lawyers open their doorsLEADING Lakeland law firm Temple Heelis celebrated moving into new riverside offices by throwing open its doors to more than 100 clients and local businesses. The firm recently took 10,000 sq ft of refurbished premises at Bridge Mills, Kendal, previously occupied by Scottish Provident. The building features on site parking for staff and clients, a library, several meeting rooms and an IT training suite. The firm has branched out by offering independent financial services for clients through its associate company, THFS Ltd.Marine firm splashes outMARINE services provider James Fisher has taken over two businesses in separate deals totalling around £8 million. The acquisition of Air Supply AS in Norway and WM Defence in the UK will expand the Barrow-based company’s product range, strengthen customer relationships and help to grow its marine support services businesses. Air Supply rents and provides engineering support for large air compressors used on offshore oil platforms and onshore activities. WM Defence supplies maintenance and asset management services to the Royal Navy.People power in spotlightKENDAL mother-of-two Lucy Marder was the keynote speaker at a conference on people power organised by Business Link at Preston North End. A director of NTS Developing People, which represents a network of independent consultants, she shared her experiences of leading teams of workers. Lucy, a trained executive coach and mentor, tutors on a number of MBA programmes and is an honorary fellow of Lancaster University Management School.Co-op profits surgeNORTH Eastern and Cumbrian Co-op saw trading profits rise by 32 per cent to £6.5 million in the first half of the year. Chief executive Neil Arnold said the rise was due to new developments, improved facilities and product ranges, and cost reductions. The business operates 139 food stores, 86 funeral homes, eight department stores and 26 motor dealerships.