Katy Sue Designs, the award-winning UK-based business known for its innovative creative products in arts, crafts, and cake decorating, has successfully returned to full ownership under its founder, Sue Balfour following a share buyout from investor Neil Stephenson.
Over the past six years, Katy Sue Designs has experienced tremendous growth, evolving into a multi-million-pound business that integrates design, manufacturing, and e-commerce operations from their South Shields base. With customers around the globe, 20% of the company’s revenue now comes from exports, a figure set to increase as the business continues its international expansion. Earlier this year, the company was highly commended by the UK Government in the Department for Trade and Industries “Made in the UK, Sold to the World” Awards, recognising its excellence in exporting.
Reflecting on the journey, Sue Balfour CEO of Katy Sue Designs, said:
“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Neil Stephenson for his incredible support over the last six years. Neil, along with my early investors Gary Hunter and Sam Morton, believed in me and in Katy Sue Designs when I was looking to grow the business.
In particular Neil helped me think differently and with that guidance, we have grown the business into what it is today – a global success with customers in every corner of the world.”
Sue continued:
This buyout marks a significant milestone, not only for the business but also for me personally. It allows me to fulfil some long-standing personal goals, and I am incredibly excited for the future of Katy Sue Designs. With two new members of staff joining our team in October to support our continued growth, the future is brighter than ever.”
Neil Stephenson, who invested in Katy Sue Designs six years ago, commented:
“I like to invest in companies run by amazing leaders and work to help them develop and execute growth plans. Katy Sue has been a typical investment path, patient capital supporting the team, active when needed and 100% focussed on growth.”
As a company deeply embedded in the creative markets, Katy Sue Designs is well-positioned for continued success, offering innovative products in arts and crafts, cake decorating, and other categories, all underpinned by a commitment to UK manufacturing.
For more information about the business see: www.katysuedesigns.com
