U.K. based Create and Craft opens Grand Rapids office and is hiring

 , a U.K.-based 24-hour crafts TV channel, is expanding its presence into the U.S. craft shopping and education market with a new office In Grand Rapids at the Calder Plaza Center (250 Monroe Ave NW.)

Offering a variety of products and established brands across craft, sewing, quilting, knitting, and niche creative arts, Create and Craft began broadcasting nationally into approximately 40 million homes in the United States on December 29. Programming can be found on Direct TV channels 85 and 222, along with dish Network channel 221 and online at www.createandcraft.com.

Clive Briscoe, Create and Craft's U.S. project leader says as part of the expansion, the firms has already hired six staff for its Grand Rapids office  and plans to hire at least double that number over the coming months.  "The Grand Rapids office will be responsible for website management, digital, marketing, merchandising and logistics coordination at this stage, however we will likely expand in all areas in the new year."

Briscoe says they will be looking for candidates with experience in the areas outlined above and have posted the most recent opening to the West Michigan Public Relations Society of America website and plan to post other relevant job openings on major and local job boards.

The decision to locate in Grand Rapids came down to several factors. "We considered other larger cities including Chicago. Grand Rapids was on our radar initially because of our partnership with Notions Marketing (distribution of our products). After many visits, we discovered West Michigan was a perfect fit for us with a talented workforce and impressive arts culture. We were also happy to learn that Grand Rapids is host to AQS QuiltWeek that attracts 10,000 people."

Create and Craft boasts an interactive website with project tutorials, promotions, and programs, most of which are currently filmed in the U.K, but which will be partially filmed in Grand Rapids in the future. A custom app is expected to be released in early 2015. "We are excited to bring this innovative crafting network into the US market to inspire creativity and creation. We hope crafting enthusiasts will join us online at createandcraft.com, via Roku or on Dish Network channel 221 or Direct TV channels 85 and 222." says Briscoe.

Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Job News Editor