Katy Sue Designs has acquired another UK craft brand, with all manufacturing coming to South Tyneside, creating more local jobs.
Katy Sue, the award-winning South Tyneside based business is known for its innovative creative products in arts, crafts, and cake decorating. It has acquired the Cosmic Shimmer brand and Red Rubber Stamp production from Creative Expressions.
With its signature glitters, polishes, micas and colour-rich materials, Cosmic Shimmer has long been a favourite for card makers, mixed media artists and beyond. Katy Sue has acquired the equipment to continue manufacturing the product range and are relocating production to South Tyneside, where silicone moulds and paper craft products are already made.
Speaking about the acquisition Katy Sue’s CEO, Sue Balfour said:
“We’re proud to be a British manufacturer. In 2024 we were highly commended in the UK Government’s ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ awards.
“When we learned that Creative Expressions was planning to close, we stepped in, determined not to lose this incredible made-in-the-UK brand and the manufacturing capability that comes with it.
“All manufacturing will proudly stay in the UK—with more local jobs and new designs on the way.”
Cllr Margaret Meling, lead member for economic growth and transport at South Tyneside Council, said:
“This is fantastic news for Katy Sue Designs and South Tyneside.
“We’ve watched Katy Sue develop rapidly from a small homegrown start up into a fantastic award-winning business that has expanded rapidly and now sells products all over the world.
“This new acquisition will have such a positive and direct impact on our borough, creating local jobs for local people.
“The company is thriving, and I wish them all the success with their current and future plans.”
For more information about Katy Sue Designs see: Katy Sue Designs | Cake Decorating, Card making and Craft Supplies
