If you’re looking for top-quality workwear in Stevenage, Herts Embroidery has you covered. They specialise in professional embroidery and printing services, helping local businesses stand out with customised logos and designs. From T-shirts to uniforms, they’ve got the skills to make any garment look amazing! Today, we’re chatting with one of the founders, Paul Smith, to learn more about their journey and what makes Herts Embroidery so special.
When did you start the business and who with?
We started the business in January 2018, right from the front room of our house in Chells, Stevenage. My wife, Clare, actually got things going after she left her full-time job in December 2017. At that time, I was still working full-time, so it was really Clare’s project in the beginning.
What inspired you to start this business?
Clare has always been very arty and creative! Her previous job involved printing and organising logos for T-shirts and other clothing. We both felt there was a real opportunity in Stevenage for a family-run business that provides high-quality workwear and embroidery. We wanted to create something unique that offered a personal touch and that’s how Herts Embroidery was born.
What were the first few years like for the business?
It was quite a journey! Our very first embroidery machine was purchased in December 2017, before we had any orders. Clare started by reaching out to local builders and tradespeople through Facebook, asking if they needed workwear. Before long, the orders began to roll in, and the recommendations from happy customers soon followed. Within six months, Clare had outgrown the front room, so we built a conservatory at the back of the house just for the business. In 2019, we bought our second embroidery machine!
As things got busier, we took on bigger workwear orders, and the business really started to grow. We moved house in Stevenage in 2021, where we converted our garage into a proper workspace. By this time, I had joined Clare full-time after leaving my job in December 2021. We were working with two embroidery machines and a small printing setup, and I took on the job of growing our sales and looking after our customers, while Clare focused on running the machines.
In June 2022, we purchased our third embroidery machine, and by September, we hired our first full-time employee. Fast forward to September 2024, we now have four embroidery machines, a super-busy print side of the business, and another full-time employee who’s doing an apprenticeship with us!
What has been your most exciting project so far?
We’ve had so many fun projects over the years! From huge workwear orders to just one funky T-shirt or baby blanket, there’s always something different. But if I had to pick one, it would be the time we were asked to embroider a race suit for a DJ’s photoshoot. It was a big job with loads of different logos, and we had to do it all in a very short time frame. We’ve also had the chance to work on TV shows, with props departments calling us up for quick turnarounds – that’s always exciting!
Why do Stevenage businesses need Herts Embroidery?
After almost seven years in the business, we’ve built a reputation for being reliable and delivering high-quality workwear in Stevenage. We make sure that local businesses look professional with their company logos embroidered or printed to the highest standards. Plus, because we’re a family-run business, we offer a personal touch and great customer service that makes working with us a pleasure. We’re really proud to be a trusted part of the Stevenage community.
What’s next for Herts Embroidery?
We’re about to take a big step by moving into our new unit on 1st November this year! It’s an exciting time, and we’re looking forward to growing even more and seeing what the next chapter has in store for us. We can’t wait to continue providing the best workwear in Stevenage and making sure our customers are always dressed to impress!
Herts Embroidery has come a long way since those early days in Clare and Paul’s front room. Their dedication, hard work, and passion for creativity have made them a top choice for workwear in Stevenage. Whether you need uniforms, T-shirts, or something special embroidered, you know who to call!
