Crafter’s Companion has invested in a new global distribution close to its County Durham headquarters to help it meet demand from hobby enthusiasts around the world.
The paper crafts company, first founded by Dragons’ Den and Strictly Come Dancing star Sara Davies in 2005, has grown rapidly over the last few years and now has customers in more than 40 countries, buying its products through its website and network of bricks-and-mortar shops.
Having explored plans to create a new warehouse during the pandemic, the company has now unveiled the huge 54,000sqft space, which is now being kitted out with offices and staff areas.
Read more: Strictly, Dragons' Den and fitting in the day job - Sara Davies' busy life
The warehouse has space to house 4,000 pallets of products, supporting the team’s ability to meet the growing demand for crafting items with their customers across the UK, Europe and US. In addition to increased space, the warehouse features 3,000 sqft of office area and two dock loading doors, as well as modern staff facilities, including large training and breakout spaces, showers and changing rooms.
Simon Davies, chief executive office, said the investment will also create new opportunities for the company and the local Newton Aycliffe area.
He said: “Throughout the past few years, Crafter’s Companion has expanded and we made the decision to invest in a new warehouse space about 18 months ago. Our UK head office has been based in Newton Aycliffe for six years and we were delighted to find the perfect space to accommodate all of our needs, just around the corner.
“Work has been ongoing and it has been great to see the progression. Now that the facility is finally complete, we are looking forward to welcoming our team into our new global distribution hub over the coming weeks.”
Most recent accounts for the company, covering the year ended March 31 2021, showed a rise in revenues from £34.1m to £38.3m, in the face of a raft of pandemic challenges, including national lockdowns which closed it retail stores, increased competition and high importing tariffs.
Sara Davies, who was still at York University when she first set Crafter’s Companion in motion with a simple envelope maker, recently published her autobiography We Can All Make It, which reached number five in the Sunday Times Bestsellers list.
