Burnley Poundworld ‘grafter’ wows nation

Burnley came under the national spotlight last week after the town’s Poundworld appeared in an entertaining documentary focussing on the battle raging between rival businesses.

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POUNDWORLD: Ian Gilbert assistant manager at Poundworld in Burnley who appeared on the TV programme Pound Wars.
Photo Ben ParsonsPOUNDWORLD: Ian Gilbert assistant manager at Poundworld in Burnley who appeared on the TV programme Pound Wars.
Photo Ben Parsons
POUNDWORLD: Ian Gilbert assistant manager at Poundworld in Burnley who appeared on the TV programme Pound Wars. Photo Ben Parsons

Over five million viewers turned in to BBC1 on Thursday to watch “Pound Shop Wars” and although the programme kicked off focussing on CEO Chris Edwards, the star of the show was Burnley store’s deputy manager, Ian Gilbert.

Otherwise known as “The Grafter with the Laughter”, Ian (47) is renowned for his high speed work ethic.

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He has worked at Poundworld, which is based at the Charter Walk shopping centre, since it opened in August 2012 and admits he is extremely passionate about his job.

POUNDWORLD: Ian Gilbert assistant manager at Poundworld in Burnley who appeared on the TV programme Pound Wars.
Photo Ben ParsonsPOUNDWORLD: Ian Gilbert assistant manager at Poundworld in Burnley who appeared on the TV programme Pound Wars.
Photo Ben Parsons
POUNDWORLD: Ian Gilbert assistant manager at Poundworld in Burnley who appeared on the TV programme Pound Wars. Photo Ben Parsons

He loves every minute of working and amuses everyone with his witty one-liners. This was evident during the programme when a brand new bargain – the £1 comfort bra – made its debut in the discount store and according to Ian, it was “flying off the shelves” becoming the shop’s “breast seller!”

Ian works closely with store manager Geoff Heathcote and 16 members of staff. Speaking about the reaction since the programme aired, Ian, who lives in Nairne Street, Burnley, with his wife, Susan, said: “We have had lots of positive feedback.

“It has been absolutely crazy.”

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