NEWS
GLOBAL HQ
Crafter ’ s Companion is in the process of fitting out its new 54,000 sq ft warehouse on Aycliffe Business Park .
Crafter ’ s Companion launches new Aycliffe distribution hub
Crafter ’ s Companion has revealed the site of its new Newton Aycliffe-based UK warehouse .
The dedicated 54,000 sq ft , nine metres high pallet-racking space will enable the business to house 4,000 pallets of products .
The warehouse will support the team ’ s ability to meet the growing demand for crafting items with their customers across the UK , Europe and USA .
In addition to increased space , the warehouse features 3,000 sq ft of office area and two dock loading doors , alongside modern staff facilities , including large training and breakout spaces , showers and changing rooms .
Crafter ’ s says the investment will also create new opportunities for the company and the local area .
Chief executive Simon Davies 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 .
NON-EXEC CHAIR IS APPOINTED
Crafter ’ s Companion has announced the appointment of David Stern as its new non-executive chair .
David joins the County Durham-based craft supply company with more than 30 years ’ experience in retail and consumer brands in the UK and US .
Originally from New York , David spent 11 years in leadership positions at Unilever and most recently led bath and beauty brand Crabtree & Evelyn through a successful digital transformation .
With expertise in areas such as international expansion , e-commerce and consumer branding , David also sits as nonexec chair for three other UK companies , Bleach London , Lights4fun and Duke &
“ 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 .”
Crafter ’ s turnover in 2021 climbed from £ 34.1m to £ 38.3m , in the face of a raft of pandemic challenges , including national lockdowns which closed 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 .
Crafter ’ s Companion chief executive Simon Davies ( left ) with the firm ’ s new non-exec chair David Stern .
Dexter . David , who is now based in the UK , said : “ Joining the Crafter ’ s Companion board offers a fantastic opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with a forward-looking and innovative company .
“ Crafter ’ s Companion is a well-established brand with an extensive portfolio of products that seek to inspire and support creative people across the world .
“ There is so much potential for further growth and I ’ m excited to be part of that .”
BUSINESS BRIEFS
ROYAL APPOINTMENT The boss of a national training firm based in County Durham has been appointed deputy lieutenant of County Durham for her dedication and contribution to education and skills in the region .
Brenda McLeish OBE , CEO of Spennymoor-based Learning Curve Group , was awarded an OBE in the Queen ’ s New Year ’ s Honours list for her contribution to education , and has now been recognised further with her appointment of deputy lieutenant .
PCC LAUNCHES FUND Charities and voluntary groups across County Durham and Darlington are being offered a chance to secure vital funding to support their work to boost community safety .
Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen , in partnership with County Durham Community Foundation ( CDCF ), has set aside £ 150,000 in 2022-23 to bolster local efforts to address crime , antisocial behaviour and vulnerability and increase public confidence .
To apply for a grant – of between £ 2,500 and £ 7,500 – organisations should complete the online application form at www . cdcf . org . uk .
COVID JAB SURVEY A new survey from Acas has found that over one in five employers plan to implement a ‘ no jab no job ’ policy in the year ahead for both new and existing staff .
Acas commissioned YouGov to ask British businesses whether they plan to make it a requirement for staff to be vaccinated against Covid-19 as a condition of employment .
AYCLIFFE BUSINESS We ’ re already working on issue # 58 of Aycliffe Business , the magazine for Aycliffe Business Park , due out in August .
The booking deadline is 5pm on Friday , July 22 .
To book space , call Martin Walker on 01325 728024 or email martin @ aycliffetoday . co . uk .
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 5