Converted mill complex adds another string to its bow

Long-established archery retailer, Quicks Archery, has moved into the Sunny Bank Mills complex in Farsley, near Leeds.

Quicks, which is owned and run by archery specialist Pete Bowers, has taken a five-year lease on a studio and shop in the Mending Rooms, an historic Georgian mill which has undergone an extensive modernisation programme.

Bowers explained he has been looking for a base in Leeds after a rival archery retailer closed in the city.

He said: “We already have shops in the south of England and Lancashire, but I wanted a Leeds location to spread our reach.

“When I saw the Mending Rooms studio at Sunny Bank Mills, I was blown away. It had exactly the right ambience and character for our shop, with its traditional rustic feel of exposed brickwork, cast iron features and a rich history.

“I’d like to add that landlords William and John Gaunt have been incredibly helpful. They are responsive, sympathetic and very patient with our requests.”

Quicks, which was founded in 1949, sells archery equipment, parts, kits, books, accessories, gifts and everything else archery customers want to use. 

The business, together with its sister company Podium, is sponsoring two archers representing Team GB at the Paris Olympics, Briony Pitman and Tom Hall.

John Gaunt, joint managing director of Edwin Woodhouse & Co Ltd, the owners of Sunny Bank Mills, said: “We are happy to welcome Pete and his shop manager Deborah Waterhouse to Sunny Bank Mills.

“Quicks, with its superb global reputation, really adds to the diverse mix of quality retail and leisure occupiers we have at Sunny Bank Mills.

“We wish Pete and Deborah the best of luck here and know, given their passion, they will thrive.”