Ayrshire firm with illustrious clients eyes up former primary school as part of expansion plan

A family-owned business in Ayrshire, Crawford Henderson Ltd, known for their bespoke giftware items and illustrious clients like Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, has set its eyes on the former St Cuthbert’s Primary School in Maybole for its expansion plan. The now vacant school on Kirkland Street is being considered as the ideal location for the business to relocate and grow.

Currently based on Welltrees Street in Maybole, Crawford Henderson Ltd has submitted a planning application to South Ayrshire Council seeking permission for a change of use and alterations at the former school premises. The business aims to relocate to the larger space to accommodate their ambitious growth plans, which include increasing their workforce from 13 employees to 20 over the next five years.

The company highlights the importance of creating local job opportunities, with intentions to hire employees from the Maybole area. They also project a significant increase in sales over the next five years, from £1.1 million to £2.5 million, which will further benefit the local economy. The proposed relocation to St Cuthbert’s School is seen as a strategic move to enhance production capacity and showcase their craftsmanship.

The business plans to transform the school building to suit their production processes, with provisions for increased production space, new offices, and storage areas. Additionally, they aim to upgrade the property in a manner that aligns with their brand image, allowing them to host clients and visitors. The proposal includes details of alterations to the property both internally and externally to meet the business’s requirements.

With an impressive list of prestigious clients and a track record of growth, Crawford Henderson Ltd is optimistic about the potential of the new location to support their future endeavours. The company’s plans are currently under review by South Ayrshire Council, with a decision expected by late December.

In conclusion, the initiative taken by Crawford Henderson Ltd to repurpose the former St Cuthbert’s Primary School demonstrates their commitment to local economic development and business growth. The strategic expansion plan not only signifies progress for the company but also presents opportunities for job creation and investment in the Maybole community.