Paul Wells is the owner of Unique Knit and Sew, a family-owned and run knitting shop in Bognor Regis. The shop provides a wide range of knitting supplies and crafting materials, and operates under one roof with Unique Workwear, a printing and embroidery business. Paul and his wife Jane have been running their business for 20 years, starting out with a seafront concession and evolving into the successful enterprise they have today.

Paul is also an active member of the Bognor Regis community, serving as an elected member of Bognor Regis Town Council and even being elected Mayor of Bognor Regis in 2013. He is a strong advocate for the community and believes in giving back. In his own words, ‘It was a huge honour to be appointed Mayor. I’ve always been a great believer in the community and I’m a great advocate for trying to give something back. Our community has been fantastic to us as a business for the past 20 years, and I feel it’s the right thing to do.’

Paul and Jane’s business journey began with a seafront concession in 2001, where they started out with one heat press. From there, they took on a market stall in 2003, and then moved into their first shop in the arcade in 2004. As their business grew and evolved, they expanded into knitting and sewing in 2011, and eventually relocated to London Road, where they still are today.

Paul is proud of the accomplishments he has achieved over the past 20 years, but what he is most proud of is working side-by-side with his wife Jane. The couple has always worked together and faced challenges as a team. In Paul’s words, ‘My greatest achievement is that I have worked side-by-side with my wife Jane. Jane and I have always worked together. We met in retail and have worked alongside each other ever since. We married in 1995 and have brought our family up in Bognor Regis. We’ve always worked as a team, and I feel fortunate to be able to walk this path as a couple.’

With a team of six family members, Paul continued to say how working as a family is so important to him. ‘It’s like bringing your home into your business and work, we face challenges together and we try to create a homely experience when people visit us.’

There’s a homely and welcoming environment when you spend time at Unique Knit and Sew. Whether you’re a new crafter, or a professional looking to stock up on essentials – it’s the perfect place to explore!

Like many other independent businesses in Bognor Regis, Unique Knit and Sew, and Unique Workwear’s story is one of true grit and resilience. Paul and his family have built a successful business and made a difference in their community in their own unique way.

Find Unique Knit and Sew online: www.uniqueknitandsew.co.uk / www.uniqueworkwear.com and on social media: Facebook /Instagram