A WORDSLEY man has moved his expanding business from his home to a new studio at the Red House Glass Cone.

Chris Cook, of AKC Signs, was first introduced to the cone when he designed the signs for a couple of the sites other businesses.

As a fan of old buildings and industrial architecture, he felt drawn to the site and when he discovered a vacant studio, complete with exposed brickwork and hefty wooden beams, he knew he’d found the perfect base to continue to design, manufacture and install vinyl signs.

Chris, who counts Estee Lauder as one of his biggest clients, recently turned Manchester’s Selfridges store pink to celebrate the breast cancer awareness month.

He is a big supporter of cancer charities and last year wrapped his van in pink vinyl, raising £4,500 for Cancer Research and Macmillan Cancer Support.

His wife, Kelly, has taken over running the front of the unit, which sells wooden hearts, decorations for the home, photo albums, keepsake boxes and candles.

The couple also produce personalised items including mugs, phone cases and t-shirts.

Chris, who is originally from Oldbury, said: “I love being based here, it sounds silly but I just felt drawn to the cone. I love the heritage and architecture and the sense of an ongoing story, and now I’m part of it.

“Business is going well, and we’re expanding in terms of the personalised items and the shop out front and I’m really keen to do more charity fundraising next year once we’re fully settled in. I think we could be very happy here.”

Councillor Tracy Wood, cabinet member for environment and culture, said: “Chris is a great addition to the cone, he’s slotted right in alongside the other studio artists and there’s a real sense of mutual support among the businesses.

“I hope that we can support Chris in his charity work too and provide a platform for him in raising money and awareness for Cancer Research.”