New chapter begins for blacksmithing business
A South Yorkshire blacksmithing business is starting a new chapter as its owners hand over to the next generation of directors.
Nigel Tyas is retiring from frontline forging at Nigel Tyas Ironwork after 20 years at the helm. He and his wife and partner, Elizabeth Stocker, have decided it is time to step back and invite in fresh leadership.
Nigel Tyas said: “We are delighted to announce that brothers Dan Lowe and Gareth Lowe are the new owners of Nigel Tyas Ironwork.
“Elizabeth and I are proud and pleased to be securing the future of our craft business for our staff and customers. We look forward to seeing it prosper long after I’ve hung up my hammer and Elizabeth has snapped shut her laptop.”
Dan Lowe has a long association with the company, as Tyas taught him his first blacksmithing skills before he went to Hereford College to train as a farrier.
He has run his own successful farriery business for many years and also been working with Tyas in the workshop and office over the last couple of years.
His brother Gareth has a long career in business administration and product development and will bring a wealth of experience in management and sales into the company.
Elizabeth Tyas said: “Dan and Gareth make a great team and I am confident they will carry forward our business values and commitment to quality products and customer service as well as bringing in their own energy and ideas. We are leaving the business in very good hands.”
Dan Lowe said: “Gareth and I are looking forward to taking on this adventure and building on the legacy of what Nigel and Elizabeth have achieved here.”
Nigel Tyas Ironwork designs and makes wrought iron curtain poles and lighting in its forge, based in the village of Millhouse Green, near Sheffield, selling direct to customers all over the country.
The business is currently being run by office staff working from home, with workshop staff furloughed to protect them, their families and the wider community.
The sale of the business was completed immediately prior to the start of the Covid-19 outbreak.
Gareth Lowe said: “This is obviously a very difficult time to be taking on this opportunity but that can’t be helped.
“We are determined to succeed and will work hard with the team to get to grips with the business in the next few months and take forward the full potential of Nigel Tyas Ironwork in the future.”
