A BRADFORD district-based lingerie and swimwear company has offered its staff a £1,000 fuel bonus to help with the increased costs of living.

Belle Lingerie, based on Chain Bar Road, has offered its staff a non-repayable fuel bonus over the course of 12 months to assist with the recent increases to gas and electricity prices, as of this month.

Janine Dutton, Belle Lingerie managing director, has urged other business bosses to follow suit to financially help their own staff.

She wants to drive home a clear message to the bosses of other businesses, whether large or small, that looking after the health and wellbeing of staff is of paramount importance, post-pandemic.

She said: “After an extremely difficult and financially turbulent couple of years for many, during the pandemic, I can’t quite believe that the increasing costs of living that we are experiencing this year are continuing to make people’s lives a misery.

Our staff worked exceptionally hard throughout the pandemic, to ensure the security of everyone’s jobs, and following the enormous rise in gas and electricity prices recently, I knew that as a business, we had to do something to help our staff during these trying times

“Actions speak louder than words, and I strongly urge the bosses of other firms, big or small, to follow in our footsteps, if possible, to ensure a happy and healthy workforce.

“A little kindness can go a long way, and this is a message that I am eager to spread.”

Belle Lingerie is the largest, independent retailer of lingerie and swimwear in the United Kingdom. 

The online firm was set up by Janine in 2005.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Janine Dutton with her Bradford Means Business awardJanine Dutton with her Bradford Means Business award

She was working part-time at First Direct when she started selling items through online auction site eBay to make some extra money.

She narrowed her sales into lingerie and began her business from her home near Cleckheaton.

It has expanded since and ships internationally to more than 110 countries.

Over the years, the range of products has expanded drastically and now includes exceptional brands including Prima Donna, Curvy Kate, Empreinte, Coco De Mer, Parfait and Triumph.

Belle Lingerie has won a host of awards over the years.

These have included Janine being named as Businesswoman of the Year at the 2017 Telegraph & Argus Bradford Means Business Awards.

Belle Lingerie was named ‘Best Specialist E-tailer’ in the Underlines Magazine Best Shop Awards last year

These awards are the only independent recognition of excellence in intimate apparel, swimwear and legwear retailing in the United Kingdom.