A bespoke stonemasonry company are launching a new range of high-end tableware after opening a new state-of-the-art showroom.
Stoneworkz, based on the Spencer Trading Estate in Denbigh, are aiming to capture the attention of big name department stores including London’s world famous Harrods.
The company was sent up in 2015 by husband and wife team Julie and Dylan Williams.
They plunged hours of hard work and dedication into the business, specialising in producing quality kitchen worktops, bathroom surfaces, hearths and other household products in granite, marble, quartz, brick and slate.
Now less than two years after they first set the saws going in their workshop they are looking to nearly double their small workforce.
As they cut the ribbon to officially open the new £10,000 showroom, Julie unveiled the new tableware.
Samples of the range, including a lazy Susan, elegant hostess tray, handcut placemats and cheeseboards were used in public for the first time as the couple uncorked champagne and laid on refreshments.
Julie said: “Quality has always been our byword with everything we produce and the Ammonite tableware will be no different. It will be very exclusive and we will concentrate on limited edition designs.
“We’re currently developing the range, working on the specifics of our branding and the packaging. Once we’re happy with all that we will set about marketing it and Harrods will definitely be top of my list of potential buyers to call.”
With a current workforce of three they are presently advertising for another experienced craftsman to join the team and they hope to recruit two more staff in the near future.
The pair, who live in Denbigh, decided to go it alone after the devastation of being hit by redundancy.
Having a combination of 29 years’ experience in the industry between them, they set about turning their misfortune into a success story by going all out to create quality products under their own label.
Dylan is the craftsman of the duo, turning his highly skilled hands to making their customised products, while Julie heads up the marketing, and administration side.
They secured a £5,000 grant from Denbighshire County Council which paid for high tech equipment needed for their specialist style of stonemasonry. Then they focused on securing lucrative contracts across the UK.
Dylan, who has been a stonemason 16 years, said: “It’s been hard work, that’s for sure and the hours are long, but it’s worked out well so far.
“We’re now looking to expand the business further, but at a steady pace. We’ve set a benchmark of quality for our brand which we’re determined to live up to and continue to ensure every product which leaves our workshop is exactly as the customer demands it.”
The couple, who have three children, were working for the same local stone supplier when Julie was made redundant from her management position.
To date Stoneworkz has focused mainly on the trade sector, securing orders with contractors, including a Warrington company that delivers hotel refurbishments internationally for which they have fulfilled projects destined for Guernsey and Jersey.
Julie, who boasts 13 years in the business, added: “We’re also working with a high-end kitchen supplier, undertaking contracts in London and Devon areas, and we’ve done some beautiful bespoke work for a billionaire and a business owner in the yachting business.
“But with the launch of the new showroom we’re now hoping to attract more local business too, from Denbighshire and the surrounding North Wales region.
“We welcome anyone to visit us here at our new headquarters and see what we can offer for the domestic market. We’ve made the showroom very interactive, and even included a little indoor play-corner for children so families can come along and chat while the kids play.
“People can see and touch all the stone types and surface finishes which we offer. We will happily answer any questions and guide them on the various styles and stone products available. We take pride in our bespoke service to suit different sizes of kitchens and bathrooms.
“We also do decorative work, such as ornamental stones for the garden and house or business nameplates. As well as supplying the construction industry with architectural stone and a specialised brick cutting and bonding service
Our new reception area is also in the showroom so all the information people require can be obtained by simply calling in.”
For more details visit the company website: http://stoneworkzltd.co.uk
