Kids’ stationery firm on the move in Nottingham

Rachel Ellen Designs, which supplies children’s stationery to independent and high street retailers, recently moved from its current studio, a former Victorian print factory on Hucknall Road in Sherwood, to a larger unit on Mount Street, in New Basford.

Designer and former ballet dancer Rachel Church set up the business in 1997, creating hand-drawn characters for her range of greeting cards, stationery and gifts. With a workforce now exceeding 25 people, she wanted to find a property that could accommodate them and provide room for expansion.

Church, who is from Nottingham, said: “When I launched Rachel Ellen Designs, I had no idea that we would outgrow our premises, and be supplying major department stores like John Lewis.

“The world of ballet is certainly very different to running your own company but I have learned so much along the way. Creativity is my passion, but I also wanted to build a thriving business in Nottingham.

“Moving your team and operations can be daunting, but the team at Rothera Sharp handled every aspect of it with care and expertise.”

Kerry Elliott, from Rothera Sharp’s commercial property team, helped Church to purchase the 13,500sq ft Mount Street premises, and also enabled her to complete the sale of the Hucknall Road property plus another industrial unit she owned on Crossley Street, also in Sherwood.

“It is always rewarding to help a local business to take its next steps, and this is particularly true of Rachel Ellen Designs,” said Elliot.

“We worked hard to ensure that the sales process was as smooth as possible for Rachel, and we wish her all the best for the future.”