Businesswoman who features in major BBC TV show expands base in famous Yorkshire mill

Emma White, a jeweller and jewellery teacher, is growing the size of her studio and workshop at the Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley, near Leeds.

She has been based at the historic mill complex for almost 10 years and is now moving into the adjacent Twisting Gallery, which is currently undergoing an extensive renovation.

She is currently taking part in the popular BBC Two series All That Glitters: Britain’s Next Jewellery Star.

She explained: “I’m very excited to be expanding into the Twisting Gallery, I have been a tenant at Sunny Bank Mills since 2013 and I love being part of the hub of creativity and energy that landlords John and William Gaunt have nurtured.

“I am very proud to call the vibrant village of Farsley my home and love that I am part of the mill complex and neighbour to the wonderful businesses that are housed here.

“I am currently based in a smaller space at Red Lane Mill, just through the wall from the Twisting Gallery, and I will be knocking through to make one bigger jewellery workshop, full of fun and light.

“The new larger space will be perfect for teaching my jewellery courses and classes to larger groups and improving the day to day running of my handmade jewellery business Emma White and the Jewellery Makers.

“The courses run throughout the year and are suitable for complete beginners up to experienced makers. We teach weekly classes, project-based weekend sessions and also one to one. Jewellery-making is a great hobby and it’s very rewarding to know that you have made something special, that you can wear forever, with your very own hands,” she said.

Over the past 10 years Sunny Bank Mills has been transformed into a modern office and mixed-use retail and leisure complex creating 400 jobs.

William Gaunt commented: “The regeneration of the Twisting Gallery is another piece in the jigsaw in the regeneration of Sunny Bank Mills. Once the renovation is completed in October, it will be a tremendously stimulating space in the heart of our mill complex.

“We are absolutely delighted that Emma is taking the opportunity to expand her studio and workshop space at Sunny Bank Mills by linking Red Lane Mill with the new space at the Twisting Gallery. We are especially pleased because Emma is one of our longest and most- valued occupiers, who has flourished here at Sunny Bank. We are proud to have nurtured her business.

“It is also fitting that Emma has made her home here, as she is a true Yorkshire craftsperson and maker, which chimes in with the mill’s rich history. Her decision to expand her business here is a tremendous endorsement of our ever-growing creative community at Sunny Bank Mills.”

He added: “The first phase of the £1m regeneration of the three storey Twisting Gallery will be completed in October. This phase of the redevelopment is creating four bespoke creative and retail units.”

All That Glitters: Britain’s Next Jewellery Star, which is searching for the UK’s next up-and- coming jewellery star, is broadcast every Thursday at 9.00pm on BBC Two and is also streaming on BBC iPlayer. It is hosted by Katherine Ryan.