The UK's largest PC manufacturer is bringing dozens of new jobs to Essex.

Tiny Computers has agreed a deal with the nationwide Powerhouse electrical firm, for 140 showrooms to open its stores across the country.

Seven stores in Essex, including ones in Southend and Basildon, are likely to see the new showrooms.

Each of the new concessions will require its own sales and managerial staff, meaning the expansion is likely to lead to the creation of 450 new jobs - up to 60 in Essex.

And more jobs could follow, with Tiny planning to add even more new showrooms as Powerhouse develops and expands.

Tiny hopes to open the concessions as soon as possible and is aiming to have 15 new showrooms up and running by Christmas. The company already has 143 UK showrooms and claims the new deal will make it the largest PC retailer in the UK.

Managing director Andrew Walwyn said: "With a number of major players encountering serious difficulties recently and closing down outlets, there is scope and opportunity to increase market share."

Tiny Computers' existing showrooms are also to get a facelift as part of the company's expansion plans. The company's 143 High Street stores, including one near to Southend's Odeon cinema, are being refitted.

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