Publisher crafts a new chapter in Exeter
An international craft media company, with offices across America and its headquarters in New York, has relocated its UK team to Exeter.
Founded in Newton Abbot in 1961, F+W International, part of American company F+W Media, is a specialist publisher and distributer of art and craft books. The company also boasts a range of successful art and craft based ecommerce companies and distributes David & Charles and Dover Publications.
In its 54 years of operation, F+W Media has witnessed significant changes in the publishing industry. With the rise of eBook sales, increased use of iPads and Kindles and ecommerce sites such as Amazon, the company has had to adapt to a rapidly changing consumer environment.
In recent years, the majority of F+W’s publications have moved to being produced digitally as eBooks. Some of their current bestsellers include, Edwards Menagerie: A bestselling crochet toys book and The Quilter’s Bible: The complete how-to guide for quilters. In addition, F+W Media is now a leading online craft retailer and owns websites such as sewandso.co.uk and stitchcraftcreate.co.uk.
Managing Director James Woollam said: “Our move to Exeter signifies our progression as a company and illustrates how our industry has changed. We now produce many more digital products and videos and, of course, this changes our requirements for office space.
“Our new offices accurately reflect the innovative media business that we have become and we hope that Exeter’s growing entrepreneurial spirit will give us the opportunity to collaborate with likeminded digital businesses.”
A total of 33 staff have made the move from F+W Media’s UK offices in Newton Abbot to Pynes Hill, Exeter.
Upon deciding to make the move to Exeter, F&W Media contacted Exeter City Council’s relocation team within Economy and Tourism in order to find suitable accommodation and assist in the relocation.
Councillor Rosie Denham, Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture, said: “F&W Media making the move to Exeter is a real boost to the city and our growing digital business community.
“F&W Media is a great example of a company that isn’t afraid to not only adapt to, but embrace change. We are pleased to welcome them to Exeter, support them and see how they evolve further in the future.”
For more information about relocating a business to Exeter, visit www.investinexeter.co.uk or follow @investinExeter
