Crafty Hartlepool firm has all bases covered following new move

Alan Teather Quilting has moved into new workshops with a fabric selling space in Church Street, Hartlepool, after outgrowing its start-up site.

The bespoke quilting firm’s expansion follows increased demand for Alan’s specialist textile and craft skills.

Alan, 59, started the business in 2019 after completing a degree in contemporary textiles and products at the town’s Northern School of Art.

He said: “The last 18 months have been exhilarating and we can’t thank our customers enough for how they have supported us to where we are today.

"We set up the business as a bespoke quilting firm, very much in the made-to-order, but have grown into a multi-faced business able to offer so much more.

“There are now three strands to the business. I create handmade quilts on a commission-only basis and only take a set number of commissions per month to ensure I can maintain quality and artistic style in the final product and also operate a long-arm sewing machine so help other crafters who don’t have access to that kind of equipment.”

He added: “We expanded into bigger premises to provide workshops to the general public. I want to share the skills I have with others interested in textile-based crafting.”

He added: “We have basically created a one stop shop for the business supporting a dedicated work space for me, a workshop area for the public and a retail outlet for fabric. I can’t wait to be fully open once restrictions allow.”

Alan runs the business alongside his wife, Amanda, and originally launched with a £15,000 Virgin StartUp loan thanks to help from TEDCO Business Support and business advisor Mark Johnston.

He added: “Mark was a great support in helping us look at the intricacies of setting up a business and was able to guide us in the right direction to help launch on a firm footing.”

Mr Johnston said: “Alan and Amanda have not only built, but expanded a business at a time when so many are facing insurmountable challenges to trading.

"I applaud their tenacity and spirit when it comes to their vision for Alan Teather Quilting.”