A national chain of pet stores is to open a new shop on the Lustrum Retail Park in Stockton, creating ten jobs.

The new store opens on August 6 and will be managed by Dave Coe who is originally from Essex and moved to Teesside 16 years ago. He has 37 years’ experience in retail. The move is also good news for Dave's dogs - Mastiff/Rottweiler pups Nellie and Peggy who are twin sisters.

Alongside details of its strong financial performance, Jollyes, The Pet People said it was acquiring Midlands-based Penparc Pet Centre Group to accelerate its growth.

Read more: RSPCA report shows cost of living impact on pets

It also said part of its growth strategy was planned future openings in Poole, Stockton, Warrington and Billingshurst in West Sussex, as well as three in Scotland.

The chain already has shops at North Road, Darlington, in Newcastle and at Blyth.

Executive chairman Richard Cotter said: “While we’re delighted with the numbers, our performance is about people and a passion for pets. Our performance is simply a consequence of us transforming our business to empower our people to provide products that meet the needs of Britain’s pet owners.

“We’re proud that this transformation is now leading to 100 additional opportunities to join the Jollyes team in the year ahead as we double-down on our ambitious growth plans.”

Jollyes released strong trading results for the full year to 29 May 2022., with headline achievements:

•Turnover over the full year grew to £86m – a 15 per cent increase.

•Jollyes’ headcount has grown by 164 over the year - almost 25 per cent - in stores and at its Waltham Abbey support centre as it supports its growth.

•During the full year Jollyes also added seven new stores, organically and through the acquisition of The Pet Store in Yorkshire and Bannerbrook Pets in Coventry.

•The investment in an extended logisitics contract with Wincanton in Wigan that introduces backhauling arrangements with eight suppliers that have led to 50,000 fewer road miles

•Overhauled and relaunched its Lifestage private label food leading to a 70 per cent-plus increase in sales.

Jollyes plans to build on its current trading performance with ambitious plans for FY23.

During the current full financial year, it expects to recruit an additional 100 roles across the UK - 80 in new stores and 20 in back office functions to support its expansion, and grow revenue so it becomes a £100m-plus turnover business by the end of its 2023 financial year cent.