A CLECKHEATON business which began at a kitchen table now boasts an annual turnover of £4 million and has more plans for expansion in the pipeline.

Janine Dutton, 42, started Belle Lingerie on eBay in 2003. Fifteen years on, the business now has a dedicated warehouse with more than 20 employees, including her husband and three grown children.

This year, she expects to turnover £5 million and plans to continue the expansion of the business.

Mrs Dutton, who was named Business Woman of the Year at last year’s Telegraph & Argus Bradford Means Business Awards, has her own website but estimates that around 40 per cent of her sales are still made on eBay.

She originally joined the selling site to make some extra money while working part-time at First Direct and raising her children.

After narrowing her sales to lingerie, Mrs Dutton was able to quit her job and has since seen a 30 per cent year-on-year growth rate.

She is one of a growing number of ‘eBay millionaires’ – sellers based in the UK turning over £1 million plus on the platform.

Belle Lingerie now sells more than 40 brands of lingerie, including premium names such as Freya, Panache and Wonderbra.

“I never expected to create a business, it was just a way to make a bit of extra money at the time. I still pinch myself at how far we have come and how lovely it is to share the experience and work with my family by my side,” said Mrs Dutton.

“We’re looking to turnover over £5 million in 2018 and plan to continue expanding with a new warehouse management system, stocking more premium lines and hiring new staff.

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“The key for me, though, is continuing to deliver the best possible service and buy in the products my customers want – I’d rather have a happy customer than be turning over for volume alone.”

And on the Brexit issue, Mrs Dutton added: “I’m not too worried about Brexit, but obviously there is still a lot to be decided and we’ll need to wait and see how things pan out. eBay was great for selling during the recession and my orders continued to grow throughout.”