Completed sale
ClayArt
A well-known creative studio in Plymouth has taken on a new chapter, with ClayArt now becoming part of a charity-led organisation focused on community wellbeing and inclusion.
Operating from the Barbican, ClayArt has built a loyal following through its paint-your-own pottery offering, welcoming a broad mix of customers ranging from families and individuals through to schools and social care groups. Its combination of informal classes, workshops and events has created a space that blends creativity with a relaxed, social environment.
The studio has been shaped by hands-on ownership and a small, experienced team, helping to maintain a consistent customer experience and strong levels of repeat visits. Its position within a popular tourist area, alongside an established local reputation, has supported steady demand and ongoing engagement across a wide audience.
Having acquired ClayArt in 2017, owner Jim Roberts made the decision to bring the business to market to facilitate his retirement. Led by Knightsbridge Operations Manager Sara Manville, the sale process generated interest from a range of buyers, resulting in multiple meetings and offers before a suitable match was secured.
The buyer, Brandon Trust, founded in 1994, is a well-established charity supporting people with learning disabilities and autism across the South West and beyond. The acquisition aligns with its wider focus on delivering community-based, inclusive services, with plans to continue operating the studio while expanding its reach and accessibility.
By bringing ClayArt into its network, Brandon Trust adds a platform that complements its existing work — combining creativity, social interaction and wellbeing within an established local setting.
The Knightsbridge team wishes Jim all the best in his retirement, and every success to Brandon Trust as it develops the studio in its next phase.