THE managing director of the second largest independent menswear retailer in the UK cut a giant tailor's tape to mark the opening of his new store in Basingstoke - helping to create 20 jobs for the town.

Slater Menswear, which is based on the first floor of Hampstead House in the town centre, is believed to be the biggest menswear department in Hampshire.

For Paul Slater, who heads up the Scottish family-owned firm, last Friday's opening marked the launch of the company's 17th store after investing £1million in converting 10,000sqft of redundant offices into the largest independent floor space in Basingstoke, dedicated to quality menswear brands.

Tariq Din, the store manager, said: "Being on the first floor of the building is about saving money for the customer.

"We enjoy much cheaper rent and rates than if we were on the ground floor on the high street, so we're able to give customers discounts of up to 40 per cent off normal retail prices.

"Customers won't have to wait for sales or special offers to enjoy these prices as they are permanently discounted all year round."

Slater also prides itself on reviving the tailoring trade by carrying out alterations on site.

The company is in the 2001 Guinness Book of World Records for owning the world's largest menswear store, in Glasgow, which covers 40,000sqft and has a choice of 14,000 suits.

Founded 30 years ago, the company sells more than 250,000 suits a year. It offers disabled customers tailoring to meet their needs, and has a personal shopping service to help blind people.

Brian Smith, Slater Menswear marketing manager, said there would be further opportunities for part-time jobs as business develops in Basingstoke.