BUCKEN posh-frock retailer, fashion guru and hotelier Anne Furbank is expanding into Suffolk. The firm, founded 27 years ago in the Huntingdonshire village, is set to take over Jane of Newmarket, which operates from the town s former Town Hall. The Newmar

BUCKEN posh-frock retailer, fashion guru and hotelier Anne Furbank is expanding into Suffolk.

The firm, founded 27 years ago in the Huntingdonshire village, is set to take over Jane of Newmarket, which operates from the town's former Town Hall. The Newmarket shop will close at the end of July and re-open in early August under the regionally-famous Anne Furbank brand.

Both the dress shop and the adjacent George Hotel and Brasserie, in Buckden, are past Retailers of the Year in The Hunts Post Huntingdonshire Business of the Year Awards, which are now entering their 11th year.

Managing director Rebecca Furbank said: "We had heard that the owner, Jane Webb planned to give up and had family succession for the business, so we phoned her and within a week it had all been agreed.

"All buying for the autumn was really finished but, because of our reputation in the business, suppliers have been really helpful," she added.

"There is a fantastic team there, so we will be able to give them support. There are things they wanted to do but have not been able to. So now we can help them with implementation of those ideas," Mrs Furbank added. "We're very excited about it."

INFORMATION: The company also has a recently-launched online retailing business at annefurbank.co.uk. The business is on 01480 811333.