49 PROFILE Tell us a little bit about the company. Where are you based? Craft wool & Thread is based in Bolton, Lancashire, in the same mill as was home to ‘William Briggs The Needlecraft People’ since 1874. Both myself and joint-director Joanne Bowling each have over 35 years experience in the needlecraft business. We both started our working lives with William Briggs within a couple of weeks of each other and remained with the company until 2012. Working closely with internal and external designers and manufacturers, meant we had hands-on experience in all aspects of the needlecraft business from component purchase, kit development and assembly to sales and distribution. When Coats Ltd relocated William Briggs to Hungary in July 2012, it was important that a secure supply chain was introduced for UK manufacturers using Anchor in their own kit production. With Coats’ agreement, we launched Craft Wool & Thread Co Ltd to maintain and develop Anchor’s commitment to UK needlecraft manufacturing. Over time, we diversified, and by working closely with our customers we began producing thread pulls for cross stitch designers and wool packs for tapestry designers. We increased our stock holding to cover kit components and quickly this developed into full blown kit production and in some cases distribution too. How has the company developed? Some 10 years on, there was a shift in the UK’s canvas printing industry. In order to support our customer base, we expanded Craft Wool and Thread Co Ltd to include our own printing department. Philip Higson, ex-William Briggs print room supervisor, was employed to help set up and run the newly created print department. Phil has worked for more than 25 years in canvas and fabric printing. The wealth of experience he has amassed during this time is evident in the quality of the prints we make. What can we expect from Craft Wool and Thread Co Ltd? We make and distribute Glorafilia Needlepoint kits, Celia Lewis Tapestry under the Heirloom Needlecraft brand. We also have Design Perfection embroidery kits, Faye Whittaker’s All our Yesterdays cross stitch kits and Michael Powell Art cross stitch kits. What company values are important to Craft Wool & Thread Co Ltd? We strive to exceed our customers’ expectations. Having a wealth of experience at both ends of the supply chain helps us to understand our customers’ needs and requirements. We’re happy to share our knowledge and experience with our customers as this helps us both get the best from our working relationship. CRAFT WOOL & THREAD CO LTD sales@craftwoolandthread.co.uk www.craftwoolandthread.co.uk
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