A former accountant who started a Moroccan-themed business following a life-changing holiday there has relocated to Bury St Edmunds.

Julie Woodard, who has run Maroque in Needham Market for the past 13 years, has now transferred the successful business to Moreton Hall, Bury, after moving to the area last year.

The new unit, on the Hillside Business Park, showcases Moroccan lamps, furniture and gifts along with hard-to-source middle eastern ingredients, complemented by website which offers downloadable cookbooks and interior guides.

Julie said: “I went to Morocco on holiday and travelled around the whole country. I fell in love with all the beautiful things the country has to offer, from the people to the food, the sumptuous fabrics and bejewelled pottery.

“The country is warm and welcoming and that is reflected in the interiors. I just saw things that you couldn’t get in this country; I saw an opportunity and went for it.”

After running the business from home for 18 months, Julie moved to the Lion Barn Industrial Estate in Needham Market.

Of her latest move she said: “I am delighted to have moved to Bury – there is so much growth and success in the town and so much going on.

“It was an easy decision to relocate as I saw huge potential for the business as there is nothing like this in Bury.

“I’m hoping to also raise awareness of the beauty of Morocco and a taste of the exotic, from lamps to fine cuisine.”