A PET food company which has a store in Colchester has unveiled plans to create more jobs following a successful two years for the business.

Jollyes, which launched in 1971 and has a shop at the Turner Rise Retail Park, in Mile End, has seen its annual sales increase by 13 per cent on the year previous.

The performance boost comes as a result of more people now owning pets having acquired them during the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.

According to the Pet Food Manufacturers Association, for example, 3.2 million households have taken in a new pet since March 2020.

Richard Cotter, executive chairman of Jollyes, has now announced the nationwide retailer will open 20 new stores over the next 18 months, creating over 150 jobs.

He said: “While remaining open throughout the pandemic to serve pet lovers has not been easy, our people have more than risen to the challenge.

“We’re excited about our future, new and better stores, wider ranges and further investment in our people as we bring their passion for pets to more communities.”