Trans-Pennine growth for family arts and crafts specialist

FAMILY-run arts and craft business Fred Aldous has announced expansion plans and the launch of a new shop.

Fred Aldous was established in Manchester in 1886 and is headquartered at Lever Street in Manchester.

Now in its fifth generation, the business has launched a new shop at Kirkgate in Leeds.

Specialising in arts and craft products it now stocks more than 25,000 products and as well as the two retail outlets it supplies globally with prospective purchasers being able to select their creative wares from the company’s extensive website.

Director Mark Aldous said: “The business was initially launched to weather the downturn when cane sales declined in the second generation.

“The diversification from cane into handicrafts secured the longevity of the business and we’ve continually expanded our range in this niche market supplying anyone wishing to craft with needles or brushes.

“Handicrafts still remain very popular and we’re hoping that the new store in Leeds will fuel creativity across Yorkshire.”

Fred Aldous currently employs 24 staff in Manchester with a further seven staff recruited for the Leeds site.

Dermot Rainsford, Barclays relationship director, said: “Like many of our customers, Fred Aldous decided the time was right for further investment to grow the company and it’s great to see the new retail outlet launching in Leeds.”