The UK’s leading supplier of ostrich feathers and sequins to customers like Strictly Come Dancing and the X-Factor has moved into a new Mansfield business park.
Diamante Crafts has bought a 2,500 sq ft unit at Aria Park, off Sherwood Avenue, built by commercial property developers Priority Space, working with HG Sites.
The family business, which sells quality arts and craft supplies, is expanding into its new larger workspace, in response to increased demand for its products from makers, designers and creatives across the UK.
Its colourful ostrich feathers and own-brand diamante jewels have been sought out for Anton Du Beke stage productions, Elton John music videos and Gok Wan fashion shoots. They have added sparkle and colour to Notting Hill Carnival and the latest Dumbo film produced at Pinewood Studios.
Jacqueline O’Neil, who founded the business in 2006, said: “We source our own products globally and have built a reputation for quality over the years, increasing sales ten-fold since I started running the business from my home.
“Lately, we found we were bursting out of our former rented unit at Old Mill Lane and the business was just standing still because we didn’t have the room to grow.
“The new unit we’ve bought at Aria Park allows us to extend our range and buy more in bulk so that we can respond quickly to increased demand for our products.”
Sales have also grown recently since the company became one of only two UK authorised sellers of Italian heat transfer vinyl brand, Siser.
Run by Jacqueline, husband Michael and their three children with one other staff member – Diamante Crafts hopes to create new jobs within the next few months.
They have already added a mezzanine floor to the unit, effectively doubling storage and display space to 5,000 sq ft, and plan to start craft classes with local makers shortly.
Director of Priority Space Lee Buchanan said: “We’re really pleased to see Diamante Crafts move into Aria Park and expand their business. This is what we are all about, creating spacious, high-specification units which SMEs can customise to their requirements and grow successful small and medium enterprises.”
All 18 units at Aria Park have now been taken by SMEs including an electrical engineer, homeware wholesaler, and automotive shrink wrap specialist.
Built by Britcon, the £4.5 million development adds 36,250 sq ft of premium industrial and warehouse space to 2.7 acres of unused land at Sherwood Oaks Business Park, close to Mansfield town centre, with easy access to the A38 and M1.
Lee Buchanan, director at Priority Space, added: “Many businesses moving into Aria Park are investing in these properties to support growth in response to increased online trade and a greater need for storage and distribution capacity. The site is the perfect location for enterprises needing either a regional or a UK-wide reach.”
Jacqueline added: “We aim to boost sales via our website but also welcome shoppers to the unit. We already have visits from schoolteachers preparing wall displays to dance troupes getting ready for shows and even anglers making flies for fishing! We look forward to supplying more creative types across the UK and locally.”
