Katy Sue Designs Expands with Double Deal

Deal News | Mar 30, 2025 | B Daily

Katy Sue Designs Expands with Double Deal

Katy Sue Designs, a renowned crafting firm, has announced the acquisition of Cosmic Shimmer brand and Red Rubber Stamp production from Creative Expressions, a company based in Northamptonshire. This strategic acquisition is expected to boost local employment as it brings all manufacturing to Katy Sue Designs' base in South Shields. The company is well-known for its range of arts, crafts, and cake decorating products, while Cosmic Shimmer is popular among card makers and mixed media artists. The Chief Executive of Katy Sue Designs, Sue Balfour, stated that the firm intervened when Creative Expressions planned to shut down, aiming to preserve the 'Made-in-the-UK' brand and its associated manufacturing capabilities. This move not only retains manufacturing processes within the UK but also promises more local jobs and innovative designs. The acquisition has been positively received by local government officials who believe it will significantly benefit South Tyneside's economy.

Sectors

  • Manufacturing
  • Arts and Crafts

Geography

  • United Kingdom – Both the acquiring company, Katy Sue Designs, and the selling company, Creative Expressions, are based in the UK, and the manufacturing operations will remain in the country.
  • South Tyneside – Katy Sue Designs is based in South Shields, South Tyneside, and the acquisition is anticipated to have local economic impacts, including job creation.

Industry

  • Manufacturing – The article primarily discusses the manufacturing capabilities of the acquired brands moving to the South Shields base.
  • Arts and Crafts – Katy Sue Designs specializes in arts, crafts, and cake decorating products, which is central to the company's operation and acquisition strategy.

Financials

    Participants

    NameRoleTypeDescription
    Katy Sue DesignsAcquiring CompanyCompanyA firm known for its arts, crafts, and cake decorating products, based in South Shields, UK.
    Creative ExpressionsSelling CompanyCompanyPreviously manufactured the Cosmic Shimmer brand and Red Rubber Stamp production, based in Northamptonshire, UK.
    Sue BalfourChief ExecutivePersonCEO of Katy Sue Designs, instrumental in the acquisition decision.
    Councillor Margaret MelingGovernment OfficialPeopleLead member for economic growth and transport at South Tyneside Council, endorses the acquisition's positive impact.