A family-run business in Worth Matravers, which was inspired by a long ago trip to India, is celebrating 30 years of trading.
During that time The English Stamp Company has certainly made an impression. Their high-quality, custom rubber stamps are in demand from buyers from all over the world.
The English Stamp Company crew – Bella, Sasha, Jon, Kim and Yve
“Appeal lies in its simplicity”
Jon and Sasha Dorey launched The English Stamp Company in March 1992. Since then, the team has grown to now include their daughter Bella.
Sasha said:
“The appeal of stamping lies in its simplicity. It is quick to do, original and inexpensive.”
The stamps can be used on stationery and packaging
Converted dinosaur museum
The company is based at a converted dinosaur museum on the edge of Worth Matravers.
It was in India, that Jon and Sasha got the idea for the stamps. They began by printing gold stars onto walls.
From gold stars to boats, beetles and otters, Sasha’s mother hand drew most of the first designs and over the past 30 years they have developed more and more hand-drawn designs.
Dorset Seaweeds is just one of their local customers
Distinctive
Local businesses and big corporate clients have been among the customers, as well as those looking for something distinctive for their wedding
The stamps are used on stationery, invitations, business branding and packaging. They have also found their way onto walls, furniture and fabric.
Alongside the rubber stamps, the company has created a large range of specialist ink pads, embossing powders and blank stationery.
Yve Grady-Crews with one of the stamps
“Heavily influenced by our natural surroundings”
Yve Grady-Crews, manager, said:
“Our style has always been heavily influenced by our natural surroundings, the beautiful area we live in and our love of all creatures. In the early days, most stamps sold were to be used for interior design and soft furnishings.
“We then saw a shift towards businesses wanting something more than the traditional ‘office stamp’. Our custom logo stamps became really popular and remain our best seller to date.”
The production floor at the firm’s headquarters
“Top authors”
Rubber stamps have proved a useful and economical way to brand a business. The same logo stamp can be used for packaging, swing tags, bag, loyalty cards and uniforms. Yve added:
“One of the loveliest aspects of the job is seeing artwork our customers have created. We are often sent beautiful illustrations for Ex Libris stamps and occasionally have produced stamps used by top authors at their book signing events.”
As a small business, in a fairly remote location, the company relies heavily on its website and more recently, social media, to market its stamps.
The ‘factory’ on the outskirts of Worth Matravers
Hackers held Instagram account hostage
In August 2020, in the midst of lockdown and a turbulent time for any business, the company made the national headlines after its Instagram account with 29,000 followers was hacked and held hostage.
Fortunately, they were able to get their account back and have since been able to help others facing similar problems.
Owner Jon Dorey
“So lucky to be based where we are”
Yve said:
“We are so lucky to be based where we are. We are surrounded by meadow fields, have a glimpse of sea view from the office and are only a short distance from the beautiful Jurassic Coast line.
“Life is slower here, in a lovely way. You can’t help but stop and look around, and as a team of dog owners, we are always out enjoying it all year round.”
From free range eggs to a dairy, the stamps add a distinctive touch to business branding
