When Durham entrepreneur Liam Staples decided to leave his role in process management, he saw it as a chance to build something of his own - something creative, tangible, and rooted in his local community. That idea became Staples Creative, a growing business producing custom clothing, branded merchandise, and small-batch workwear from its new base at Crook Business Centre.

From Continuous Improvement to Creative Enterprise

Liam’s career began in Newcastle, working as a paralegal before moving into continuous improvement and process management — first in the private sector, then at Durham University. When he was offered a voluntary severance package, he took the opportunity to turn a long-held ambition into reality.

“I’d been toying with the idea of setting up my own business for a while,” Liam explains. “I’d helped friends with custom graphics and logos on the side, and what was missing locally was a personal, collaborative path to small-batch branded clothing and merchandise. When the chance came, I decided it was time to give it a go.”

By mid-2025, Staples Creative had secured an office at Crook Business Centre, giving Liam the dedicated space he needed to grow his fledgling business.

Creating Brands, Not Just Clothing

Staples Creative specialises in custom-printed and embroidered clothing, workwear, and merchandise for small businesses, creators, and local organisations. Order is produced in-house on modern embroidery and vinyl equipment, with a focus on creativity, flexibility, and collaboration.

But what truly sets Staples Creative apart is Liam’s ability to help clients develop their brand identity from scratch. Many small teams - including new start-ups and sole traders - don’t have access to professional graphic design or branding services. Liam bridges that gap by working with them to create bespoke artwork, logos, and designs that reflect their business personality.

“There are a lot of large workwear companies out there,” says Liam, “but what we offer is something more personal. If a client doesn’t already have a logo or design, we can work together to understand their business and bring their ideas to life.. It’s about creating something that feels unique to them, not just printing a name on a shirt.”

This approach is built with small local firms and independent creators in mind — those who value hands-on support and a friendly, collaborative process. “We work directly with clients to develop designs that match their brand, whether that’s a local café wanting uniforms or an influencer launching their first line of merchandise. It’s a small-batch approach - from a small business for small businesses.”

While the company is still in its early stages, Staples Creative is building from the ground up, working with known local businesses and seeking its first partners.

Why Crook Business Centre?

For Liam, choosing Crook Business Centre was an easy decision — not only because it’s close to home, but because it offers the professional environment and flexibility needed to take a new business seriously.

“It’s great having the convenience of being five minutes from home, but more than that, having an office here gives the business a proper base,” he says. “When you’re working from home, it’s hard to separate work and personal life. Here, I can switch off at the end of the day - and it feels like a real business rather than a hobby.”

The space and facilities at Crook Business Centre have made a significant difference. With room for embroidery and printing equipment, a professional meeting area, and a business address for clients, Staples Creative has been able to set up operations efficiently and grow its customer base with confidence.

“I love the office,” Liam adds. “In terms of rent, it’s excellent value compared to anywhere else I looked. The natural light, the character of the building, and the quiet surroundings all make it a really pleasant place to work.”

Supportive and Connected

Like all Business Durham sites, Crook Business Centre offers more than just workspace. Tenants benefit from on-site support from the Business Durham property team, as well as access to a county-wide network of business advisers and growth programmes.

“The staff here are brilliant,” says Liam. “They’re always around if you need something — whether that’s sorting out utilities, helping with equipment, or just having a quick chat. When I was setting up, I had no idea where to start with things like electricity suppliers, and they helped me figure it all out.”

Liam has also started engaging with Business Durham’s wider network, exploring opportunities for support and local promotion. “I’ve spoken to the team about marketing and business development, and I’m definitely planning to get more involved once the website is up and running. The networking events sound really useful — it’s great to know there are people who can help you take that next step.”

Part of a Vibrant Local Community

Crook Business Centre is home to a mix of businesses - and that sense of community has been a welcome surprise. “It’s nice being surrounded by other businesses,” Liam says. “Even just stopping to chat in the corridor makes a difference. You feel part of something.”

The town itself has also played a role in supporting his start-up journey. “Crook has everything you need day-to-day — cafés, parking, shops. It’s quiet during the week, but there’s a good buzz, especially on market days. It’s a nice area, and being in a familiar place makes it easier to build relationships locally.”

Looking Ahead

As Staples Creative continues to grow, Liam plans to expand his range of services, develop the company’s online presence, and bring his partner Chloe into the business.

“The goal is to build something sustainable together,” he says. “We want to keep it personal and local, but with the flexibility to take on more creative projects. Once the website’s live, we’ll start promoting the brand more widely and connecting with other small businesses who need that creative edge.”

A Space to Grow

Reflecting on his journey so far, Liam says that Crook Business Centre has been central to turning an idea into a functioning business. “It’s given me space, structure, and support - everything I needed to move from a home project to a proper company. The Business Durham team have been fantastic, and it’s good to know they’re here if I need help as the business develops.”

For new and growing enterprises across County Durham, Staples Creative’s story shows how Crook Business Centre offers the perfect foundation for local success - combining affordable, flexible workspace with a supportive team and a thriving business community.

Business Durham’s property team take pride in seeing new enterprises like Staples Creative flourish within their managed spaces. Anne Ellwood, Property Manager for the South of County Durham at Business Durham, said: “It’s fantastic to see businesses like Staples Creative using Crook Business Centre as a launchpad for growth. Liam has built a creative business that not only serves local companies but also helps them develop their brand identity from the ground up. Crook provides an affordable, flexible space with a real sense of community, which makes it the ideal environment for start-ups and growing enterprises to establish themselves and thrive.”

Find out more about Crook Business Centre and available spaces: www.businessdurham.co.uk/crook-landing