A NEWLY-LAUNCHED textile company in Newton Abbot has found its first employees with help from the Jobcentre Plus.

Digital Textile Laboratories set up a new production facilities at premises in Decoy just a few months ago and as part of its recruitment process, contacted Jobcentre Plus.

Directors Adrian Stark and Julian Marsh were keen to employ people based on their ‘attitude, motivation and willingness to learn’ rather than prior experience.

And they wanted to offer ‘genuine chances for local people to build skills, gain confidence and secure meaningful work’.

Now the new firm’s first 10 members of staff have started work.

The company places particular emphasis on supporting two groups who often face barriers when seeking employment: older workers, who offer experience and reliability but may struggle to re‑enter the labour market and young people, who frequently face having no experience.

Lisa Gunstone, Employer Adviser at Newton Abbot Jobcentre Plus, immediately recognised the potential for job seekers in the area.

She mobilised her network of Work Coaches to share the new job opportunities and ensuring anyone with an interest, even without experience, could put themselves forward.

The response was described as ‘remarkable’.

It saw 40 people express an interest to attend a DTL job fair and the company led three presentation sessions, explaining their innovative production processes, workplace culture and training offer.

More than 30 people requested an interview on the spot.

Short introductory interviews were held and 21 candidates were selected for a follow‑up orientation visit to the factory.

This session allowed participants to experience the working environment first‑hand, understand production workflows, and see the technology behind DTL’s textile decoration processes—including direct‑to‑film, embroidery, and print‑on‑demand systems.

Contracts are currently zero‑hours to reflect initial short‑term volumes, but the company is confident new clients will enable further roles to be created.

If expected growth materialises, DTL plans to return to Jobcentre Plus to recruit additional candidates.

DTL aims to provide training, development and long‑term career pathways for both groups, recognising the confidence boost that secure and supportive employment can provide.

Work Coach and spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions Ian Carroll said: ‘This is a great example of how Jobcentre Plus works hand‑in‑glove with employers to help people into work quickly and sustainably.

‘The Newton Abbot team has shown how targeted support, strong local relationships and proactive engagement can deliver real results for communities.

‘This is a clear example of how employer engagement, community investment and DWP expertise can come together to change lives and strengthen local economies.

‘The new partnership between Jobcentre Plus and Digital Textile Laboratories PLC (DTL) is helping to transform lives and is demonstrating how effective collaboration can unlock opportunities for people who want to enter or re‑enter the workplace.

‘With over 1,759 vacancies available in Devon, this remains a great time for young people to seize the opportunities on offer and shape the future they want.‘At the same time, we’re working closely with local employers to help them find the talent they need.’