Member Article

Entrepreneurial husband and wife expand Sunderland stationery startup

A stationery business which exports all over the world has chosen the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) as their new home.

The Idea Owl Stationery Shop originally visited the BIC for startup advice and as the business grew they required an office with room to expand.

The family business, run by Donna and Ian Connor, was established in 2012 from their home in Sunderland. The company now delivers to all parts of the world including Australia, America, Peru and Jakarta

Donna said: “The business has really taken off and we have sent our products to all corners of the world. We wanted to make a point of keeping our work and family life separate so we started to look at office space.

“As soon as we saw what the BIC had to offer we knew it was the right place for our business, there is a real community spirit here which we love, and since moving on site we have already worked with two other companies that are based here.

“It really did grow from a passion, from the age of 11 I have had numerous pen pals and am still in touch with to this day and if there’s one thing I can’t stand its boring stationery so I began sourcing products which couldn’t be bought in the UK and began selling them.

“I love working for myself and there’s nothing better than receiving a new package in the post full of new products.”

Ian, who was previously a HGV driver, said: “We knew it was time to get serious and get a business address and we are really happy with our new home from home.

“We have two daughters, one who loves stationary the other not so much but what we wanted to show them was that you can work for yourself and be a success at anything you put your mind to.”

Donna Surtees, senior space adviser at the BIC, said:“It is lovely to welcome the business to the BIC and it is fantastic to hear that they have also tapped into other businesses on site.

“That is the whole ethos behind the BIC and we hope The Idea Owl Stationery Shop have a happy and successful future here.”

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