Blacksmith future forged by Yorkshire-Suffolk alliance

A Yorkshire blacksmithing brand committed to quality craftsmanship has secured its future through collaboration with a hands-on business partner in Suffolk.

Nigel Tyas Ironwork’s founders Nigel Tyas and Elizabeth Stocker, both now retired, have forged a partnership with like-minded entrepreneurial couple Richard and Juliet Fishenden of Made by the Forge.

Nigel Tyas’s distinctive range of chandeliers, wall lights and curtain poles is now being handmade in the Fishendens’ Suffolk workshop alongside their existing Made by the Forge products.

Nigel and Elizabeth, who formerly operated Nigel Tyas Ironwork out of their Yorkshire forge have overseen the handover and will continue to play a consultative role in the venture.

Richard Fishenden, pictured with Nigel in the Suffolk forge, said: “Nigel Tyas Ironwork has been a standout name in beautiful British-made wrought ironwork for more than 20 years and we’re delighted to be working with Nigel and Elizabeth to carry the brand forward.

“We have long admired the business they have built and feel this partnership marks a wonderful meeting of minds. We’re joining forces to strengthen and protect British craftsmanship and keep traditional blacksmithing skills alive in the UK.”

Nigel Tyas said: “We’re thrilled to forge this partnership with Richard and Juliet, and look forward to supporting them as they take Nigel Tyas Ironwork into the future. Our collaboration has worked because we share the same approach to business. Nigel Tyas Ironwork and Made by the Forge both sell quality ‘Made in Britain’ products to customers who value British design and manufacturing authenticity.

“Our products will now emerge from the same busy workshop, which I would say has become the heart of British interior wrought ironwork production.”

Richard and Juliet have invested in new machinery at their workshop near Ipswich and Nigel has shared his design portfolio and experience with their skilled team. The venture is expected to expand sales and create new job opportunities in 2027.

Nigel said: “Our arrangement is built on continuity, our shared commitment to British craftsmanship.”

Nigel and Elizabeth established Nigel Tyas Ironwork in the village of Millhouse Green, near Sheffield in 2000, building on Nigel’s long career in the region’s coal, steel and engineering industries. After 20 years of growth, new owners took over the South Yorkshire-based business in 2020 but unfortunately closed it in 2024. Regaining ownership, the couple very much welcome the business’ revival at its new Suffolk home.

Made by the Forge was established in Bramford, near Ipswich, by Richard and Juliet in 2006 and specialises in forging bespoke wrought iron curtain poles. Richard was recently included in Country Living Magazine’s Top 40 Artisans in the UK.