A PICKERING business has become one of the first retailers to stock the only washing machines to be made in the UK.

Television House in Market Place is stocking the machines, which are manufactured by North-East based Ebac.

The new models, which are the first new washing machines to be manufactured in Britain for more than 10 years, are the product of £7m of investment in research and development and collaborations with leading appliance experts.

Television House’s Matthew Wilkinson said: “There is certainly a demand for British-made appliances and we are pleased to have partnered with Ebac and its latest venture to bring these British-made washing machines to our customers.”

Ebac is aiming to sign up 400 retailers across Britain, and has said it aims to prioritise local independent retailers.

John Elliott, chairman of Ebac, said: “We are delighted with the support we have received from Television House, and indeed all of our retail partners.

“There seems to be a real appetite for a washing machine which is made right here in the UK.

“We should be prioritising buying British. If people vote with their

wallets, they will help rebuild our own manufacturing industries along with an expanding potential for export.

“We all want to support a growing economy capable of providing quality jobs for ourselves and our children, all it takes is for us to spend our money on British made goods wherever possible.”

The company, which also manufactures bottled watercoolers and domestic dehumidifiers, say that their washing machines feature technology which gives them the benefit of shorter wash times and so lower energy bills.