Fishing firm's future in Alnwick

A fishing firm, whose Alnwick base is now the head office of its European operation, has shown its commitment to the town for the foreseeable future.
The retail team at Pure Fishing, Alnwick
Picture by Jane ColtmanThe retail team at Pure Fishing, Alnwick
Picture by Jane Coltman
The retail team at Pure Fishing, Alnwick Picture by Jane Coltman

Pure Fishing, which bought the Hardy and Greys brands, as well as the subsidiary Hardy Advanced Composites, in 2013, has just signed a new five-year lease for its offices and factory in Alnwick, and the intention is to extend that in due course.

The company has also invested heavily in a full refurbishment of its retail store, The Compleat Angler, and are planning an open day in the summer to showcase the recent changes to the general public.

John Henderson, Pure Fishing, Alnwick
Picture by Jane ColtmanJohn Henderson, Pure Fishing, Alnwick
Picture by Jane Coltman
John Henderson, Pure Fishing, Alnwick Picture by Jane Coltman
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The family day, for which a date is yet to be confirmed, will be a good opportunity to try to get youngsters interested and involved in the sport.

John Henderson, the UK sales and marketing director, said: “We’re really pleased with the new retail store which provides a much more positive experience for our customers and hopefully will bring more people into the shop.

“The team has worked really hard to make this happen and we’re looking forward to the extra visitors this will bring into our shop and museum.

“Our open day will be a good opportunity for all members of the public to visit and have a go at fly-fishing, especially the young people who we are always keen to attract into the sport.”

David Holder and David Duffes of Pure Fishing in Alnwick
Picture by Jane ColtmanDavid Holder and David Duffes of Pure Fishing in Alnwick
Picture by Jane Coltman
David Holder and David Duffes of Pure Fishing in Alnwick Picture by Jane Coltman
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John is a great advert for the company; an Alnwick lad who started working in the factory when he left school.

The 36-year-old was then promoted into the sales team, then the marketing team, before taking on his current role as head of the UK sales and marketing operation.

Pure Fishing has recently centralised some of its marketing function, previously led by the US, to Alnwick, which has led to the creation of several new roles.

The firm has also appointed a senior HR manager for Europe, Lindsey Finnie, who is based in Alnwick too, further underlining the long-term plan for a presence in the area.

Lindsey Finnie, Pure Fishing, Alnwick
Picture by Jane ColtmanLindsey Finnie, Pure Fishing, Alnwick
Picture by Jane Coltman
Lindsey Finnie, Pure Fishing, Alnwick Picture by Jane Coltman
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European managing director, Grant Harris, who relocated from the south to the Alnwick base, said: “We’re delighted with the finish of the retail store and are looking forward to welcoming our customers, both old and new, as the fishing season begins and we see greater demand for our products.

“We’re making great progress in creating Alnwick as the hub of our European organisation and will be welcoming a few new people to the team in the near future.”

For information on current or future vacancies,or simply to express an interest, contact recruitment_uk@pure
fishing.com