New premises for Clarity Arts

BESPOKE furniture firm Clarity Arts has doubled its manufacturing space and is looking to create six new jobs.

The company, which designs furniture and interiors for both homes and commercial properties, has moved into a 17,000 sq ft unit at New York Mill, in Summerbridge.

The expansion follows investment from managing director Gary Young, who acquired a 30% stake last year in the business founded by design and sales director Clive Wright.

Mr Wright said: “As with other sectors, the economic climate is creating a `flight to quality’ in the bespoke handmade furniture sector which is enabling us to expand and invest in our future. Our innovative designs and high-quality manufacture are attracting buyers who want furniture they can enjoy which lasts.

“The expansion will enable us to drive efficiencies in our production process and also to create a new dedicated high-gloss finishing department, as this is a technique which few UK manufacturers do well and is a highly-desirable design feature that our customers are requesting. 

“Clarity Arts is among the major employers in Nidderdale and it is hugely important to us that we continue to support the local community and rural economy.”

The company hopes that the extra capacity and facilities will help it to increase its turnover from £3m to £5m in the next three years.

The move into bigger premises has been backed by Yorkshire Bank’s Harrogate Financial Solutions Centre.

FSC business partner David McIntyre said: “Clarity Arts takes great care and pride in all it does. The company produces a stunning range of top quality furniture designs which are in huge demand.

“Yorkshire Bank is pleased to be backing the company through our Investing for Growth initiative and to be supporting the North Yorkshire rural economy and the skills of first-rate craftsmen.”