LUXURY sock factory Corgi Hosiery has collaborated with housing and care provider Pobl as it launches its new business, Pobl Homes and Communities.

The Ammanford manufacturer was commissioned to supply staff with a pair of bespoke socks featuring the colourful Pobl logo.

The new business from Pobl sees the company manage almost 15,000 homes across 14 local authorities in Wales.

Pobl Homes & Communities has been created via the coming together of three existing registered social landlords, Charter Housing Association, Derwen and Tai Gwalia.

Ashleigh Calnan, culture and communications business partner said: "The business was keen to ensure the landmark was celebrated by staff who have continued to provide outstanding service to customers while working from home in recent months.

“We wanted to mark the three companies becoming one Pobl, but gifting two and a half thousand people comes with challenges. It was important that our gift to staff fitted with our values and our brand, was sustainable and, of course, Welsh. That is where Corgi came in.

“Corgi pulled out all the stops to help us bring our vision to life and we are delighted that our order helped Corgi bring their staff back to work. This collaboration has enabled us to create something truly unique for our colleagues.”

Chris Jones, managing director at Corgi, said: “Everyone at Corgi is proud of our Welsh heritage and that all our products are made at our factory in Wales and this project was an amazing opportunity for us to link up with another great Welsh brand.

“Pobl are a company that share our values of caring for staff and the environment, and in working to make life in Wales better. The Pobl logo lent itself perfectly to us developing a fun and colourful design. We hope all the staff enjoy wearing them and pass on our thanks for their dedication and hard work during the current crisis.”

A family-run company combining traditional production methods with a contemporary approach to design, Corgi produces luxury socks and knitwear with a distinctly designer edge.

Established in 1892, the company is still located in Pantyffynnon, Ammanford. However, far from its humble beginnings as a sock maker for local miners, Corgi has gone on to develop a global reputation as the go-to luxury sock brand.

In 1989, Corgi was awarded a Royal Warrant by HRH the Prince of Wales and continues to supply the Royal family with socks and other knitted goods.