Jobs boost as craft firm grows with twin deal

A crafting firm has expanded with a double deal.

Katy Sue Designs has bought the Cosmic Shimmer brand and Red Rubber Stamp production from Northamptonshire-based Creative Expressions. 

And bosses say the agreement will create jobs, with all manufacturing switching to Katy Sue Designs’ South Shields base.

Founded in the early 1990s, Katy Sue Designs is known for arts, crafts and cake decorating products, with Cosmic Shimmer recognised by card makers and mixed media artists for its glitters, polishes, micas and colour-rich materials.

Sue Balfour, Katy Sue Designs’ chief executive, said: “When we learned Creative Expressions was planning to close, we stepped in, determined not to lose this incredible made-in-the-UK brand and the manufacturing capability that comes with it.

“All manufacturing will proudly stay in the UK – with more local jobs and new designs on the way.”

Councillor Margaret Meling, lead member for economic growth and transport at South Tyneside Council, added: “This is fantastic news for Katy Sue Designs and South Tyneside. 

“We’ve watched the company develop rapidly from a small homegrown start-up into a fantastic award-winning business that now sells products all over the world. 

“This new acquisition will have such a positive and direct impact on our borough, creating local jobs for local people.”

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