Business Press Releases

The multi-award-winning Farsley Cake Company has opened a brand-new shop at the iconic Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley, near Leeds.

Owner Steven Newbatt-Macdonald has moved from Town Street in Farsley to smart premises at 1 Old Engine Room in the heart of the mill complex.

The move marks an exciting new chapter for the independent business after several years on Town Street, with Steven saying: “This is the best thing I have ever done.”

He explained: “I am so excited to have relocated to Sunny Bank Mills, the beating heart of the Farsley community. The historic mill is now a fabulous retail destination, as well as being home to so many successful young businesses and a brilliant art gallery and music venue. It’s so busy all the time.

“I now have a much more suitable space for my growing customer base with my baking, decorating and retail areas on one floor, making my day‑to‑day operations significantly easier. I will also be able to work more closely with my international suppliers and extend my opening hours, including Sunday trading.”

Having been based in Farsley for seven years, Steven said that Sunny Bank Mills instantly felt like the right fit.

During the past 13 years, Sunny Bank Mills, one of the most famous family-owned mills in Yorkshire, has transformed into one of the most exciting and respected cultural and community hubs in the Yorkshire region. It has 126 diverse independent companies and creatives on site bringing 520 sustainable new jobs to West Leeds.

John Gaunt, joint managing director of Sunny Bank Mills with his cousin William commented: “I am delighted to welcome Steven to Sunny Bank Mills. Farsley Cake Comany is a perfect fit for the Mills. A well-established and respected local business, run by someone who is full of energy, creativity and expertise.

“Farsley Cake Co is a great addition to our destination retail offer, and the perfect place to the buy the exact cake accessory or order an amazing celebration cake, baked here at Sunny Bank Mills. “

Farsley Cake Company is known for its celebration cakes, illusion cakes and wedding cakes, including novelty designs shaped like hamburgers, Star Wars‑themed cakes and Superman‑inspired creations. Alongside handmade cakes, the shop stocks a large selection of professional‑grade cake‑decorating equipment and accessories.

Steven added: “As Sunny Bank Mills is now an established and popular retail destination, I am confident I will be busier here than in my previous premises. Consequently, I will be opening longer and potentially taking on more staff.”

Miles Phoenix of marketing agents DHP added: “The letting of 1 Old Engine Room to Farsley Cake Company represents the ability of the Gaunts to transform Sunny Bank Mills into one of the finest mixed-use sites across West Yorkshire. They have created an inspiration hub for independent businesses to grow and thrive with the local community of Farsley.

“Recent lettings have seen the addition of medical and facilities management tenants on site. With current availability offering characterful office accommodation and prime retail space, there is so much to celebrate and be proud of at Sunny Bank Mills.”

Sunny Bank Mills, where Yorkshire Television’s popular series Emmerdale and Heartbeat used to be filmed, currently has both retail and office space available to lease. Three units, a 1,308 sq ft office at the Mending Rooms, a 1,325 sq ft office at the 1912 Mill and a 632 sq ft retail unit at the Mending Rooms are ready for immediate occupation, while there is 7,550 – 15,100 sq ft available at the 1912 Mill following a three-month period of refurbishment.

By William Gaunt, joint Managing Director, Sunny Bank Mills. An edited version of this article appeared in the Yorkshire Post, 5 Nov 2025.

Mills are such a huge part of the West Yorkshire landscape but sometimes we take these important heritage buildings for granted. They form the everyday backdrop to our lives acting as a permanent reminder of our past. Our old textile mills stand as a testament to where West Yorkshire came from. Their social and cultural impact helped shape Britain and beyond. The technological developments in the 19th century textile industry drove the industrial revolution that swept the Western world. The wealth the mills created financed the civic grandeur of West Yorkshire’s towns and cities. In Leeds, the subsequent social turmoil provoked the rollout of universal education, led by Richard Oastler, the “Factory King”, whilst the Bradford mill workers drove the foundation of the Labour movement, pushing for a more equitable society here and worldwide. The hunger for labour attracted migrant workers from Ireland, eastern Europe and South Asia. They travelled across the then Empire seeking a better life for themselves and their families. It was not an easy road to travel but that wonderful diversity is now an intrinsic part of Yorkshire’s rich heritage.

But how relevant are our mills in the present day and what about their future? Bradford’s selection as UK City of Culture 2025 demonstrates perfectly how the mills remain at the centre of our cultural life and heritage. Throughout the year, mills around the district have been used as venues and, in some cases, literally canvases for art works and performances. International artists through to local community groups have been exciting, provoking and challenging us with new work placed in old weaving sheds, spinning rooms and even projected onto mill chimneys. These imposing buildings that employed our forebears now invite us in to share our stories and memories. Artists have collaborated with people across the city to discuss and think about who we are and what we want to change to make the world a better place.

The recent sound and light show – STRIKE! – projected onto the 200-foot-high chimney of Manningham Mills that dominates the Bradford city skyline, brought to life the 1890 strike by female workers. Not seen as “breadwinners”, strikes by women have been downplayed in the traditional historical narrative. The newly created accompanying protest banners demand us to consider a woman’s role in the home today. “We don’t just make samosas & pakoras” being a particular banner highlight. “Perfectly exemplifying the spirit of women in Bradford today,” said Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director, Bradford UK City of Culture 2025.

However the perceived permanence of our grand mills can be deceiving, their continued existence very fragile. Some beautiful examples were saved soon after their closure; Salts Mill and Dean Clough stand square and proud ready for another 200 years of use. But there are many that are in an obviously parlous state, abandoned and derelict, at the mercy of the harsh Northern weather and acts of vandalism and arson. Research commissioned by Historic England in 2021 revealed that 237 Yorkshire textile mills lay empty or underused. Dalton Mills is a classic case. This delicate range of Victorian buildings, in the heart of the proud town of Keighley, is near collapse after repeated arson attacks whilst standing empty. Now, however, through the tenacity, bravery and vision of Tim Rogers of Future Transformation CIC, this Mills has an excellent chance of survival.

John Lambe, Historic Places Advisor at Historic England, leading on the organisation’s ‘Mills of the North’ campaign, is equally passionate, “Reusing heritage buildings for creative purposes delivers recognised public benefits – job creation, cultural vitality and community regeneration. These outcomes can unlock grants, planning incentives and partnerships among public, private and non-profit stakeholders. Sunny Bank Mills at Farsley is a fine example of this; with Dalton Mills having equally as much potential”.

We need to show the same vision as our forebears to ensure that these important heritage mill buildings can be enjoyed by generations to come.

The award-winning Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley, near Leeds, has welcomed an exciting new range of independent retailers.

Sunny Bank Mills, which is one of the oldest family-owned mills in Yorkshire, now sustains nearly 500 jobs and is home to over 100 businesses, half of which are public facing.

The new businesses include The Spinning Room Hi-Fi, Cargo Wines and Hoop Knit, making the Mills one of the most exciting and innovative retail destinations in West Yorkshire.

Paul Knipe, the owner of The Spinning Room Hi-Fi, which is based in the Festoon Rooms, explained that he had enjoyed many events and festivals at the Mills over the years and had always been inspired by the focus on creativity and culture.

He explained: “The Festoon Rooms is such a perfect location to be the home of The Spinning Room Hi-Fi that I believe the room chose us. Of all the amazing spaces within the extensive Mills there is literally nowhere which could be more suited to our business. Our location shares a corridor with the thriving Record Plant record shop and Sunny Bank Mills’ very own art gallery and shop, which is the centre of the Mills.

We are also very close to the Old Woollen live venue space which forms the beating heart of the music area of the Mills. The collaboration between Record Plant and The Spinning Room Hi-Fi is the key to ensuring that our vision of helping more people enjoy music at home is fulfilled. Collaborative events are already in the pipeline to further establish Sunny Bank Mills as the ‘go to’ destination for all things music in Leeds and the wider area.”

He continued: “It is so important to stress that William and John Gaunt, the landlords and custodians of Sunny Bank Mills, have been great supporters of The Spinning Room Hi-Fi and its development to date. Just like us they get that music is an art form and so the nature of our business and its ultimate success will in turn help the Mills’ continue its journey to being an art and culture hub for West Yorkshire.”

Meanwhile independent wine merchants Cargo Wines has moved into the Twisting at Sunny Bank Mills, with director Richard Kilian describing the venue as a “beautiful space”.

He said: “The size of the unit and the availability of outside space are perfect for Cargo, allowing both a retail area as well as comfortably seating up to 50 guests inside, around 40 on the terrace and now over 60 on Weavers’ Lawn. We’re ready for every type of weather!

“Although we were aware of the artistic community that has built up in Farsley over the years, it was only when the Old Woollen music venue opened that we could see the potential for a hospitality business. As the Mills has progressed with the likes of CAHM luxury fragrances and Record Plant, the opportunity to expand the wine retail business as a hybrid with the bar hospitality aspect of Cargo made perfect sense.

The Gaunts have been incredibly supportive of a new business. The willingness of the owners to give us the space, as well as their expertise and understanding during the fitting and opening, has allowed Cargo to quickly develop an enthusiastic customer base.”

Hoop Knit is a third independent retailer that has chosen Sunny Bank Mills as its new home.

Director William Lingwood explained: “Sunny Bank Mills is a vibrant, creative hub that draws craft and design enthusiasts from a wide area, making it an ideal location for a premium yarn shop.

“My wife Vanessa opened Hoop Haberdashery in 2011, as a small high street store in Tenterden, Kent, full of gorgeous supplies and natural fibres for knitters and crocheters.
Now, 15 years later, we have relocated to Yorkshire, where we have opened our new online store and a large, welcoming yarn shop at Red Mill Lane.

Here, we are showcasing an extensive range of natural fibres and yarns from both local producers and worldwide brands, beautiful yarns that will inspire knitters and crocheters of all levels. Thanks to the Gaunts, our move has been painless.”

Other new retail and leisure occupiers at Sunny Bank Mills include: Candy Spa For Kids, the Welly Club Forest School, Right Nice Stuff, Duo Pilates, a physio-led reformer and mat Pilates studio with Louise Samuels, Metz Cheesemonger, Swimsport, Silly Loaf and Record Plant (expansion).

John Gaunt, joint managing director of Edwin Woodhouse and Co Ltd, the family company which owns Sunny Bank Mills, said: “It’s so exciting to welcome these new retail businesses to Sunny Bank Mills. It was always our vision to create a place that people both love to visit and to work in. The new retail businesses fit that vision perfectly.”

“50 per cent of the businesses at the Mills are now public facing, ranging from destination retail, cafes, a pizzeria, bars, our art gallery and shop, workshops, a music venue, and lots more. 10 years ago, it was only 15 per cent so it’s very satisfying to see that vision become reality.”

William Gaunt added: “These are very exciting new lettings for us – and we are absolutely delighted at the range of businesses which are now joining us at Sunny Bank Mills.

They broaden our appeal and provide wonderful new retail facilities for everyone who works here and for those who visit us from further afield.”

Sunny Bank Mills has announced a major expansion of artists’ studio spaces at its Mills site in Farsley, Leeds as a direct response to the closure of artists’ studio spaces in the city.

Sunny Banks Mills’ Arts Director Anna Turzynski said: “During my first year of working at Sunny Bank Mills, I’ve watched at least six iconic art spaces in Leeds close. After spending three years of my life championing the culture of our city, it was devastating to feel the sector being forced out of Leeds. Fortunately, after speaking to my peers and listening to artists, I realised that Sunny Bank Mills was in a unique position to help. We have acres of amazing industrial space here at the Mills and a strong existing creative community, so it made complete sense to create more studios and workspaces for creative people.

She continued: “Having visited studio spaces across the country like Rouge Studios in Manchester, Cockpit in London and Assembly House just down the road in Armley I am keen to explore how we can support artists with more than just space. Whether that be opportunities to stock work in our on-site Gallery Shop, business development advice, funding support or a sense of community through our Open Studios programme – it feels like there are lots of opportunities. We were inundated with applications for studio space and the cohort who have joined us are amazing. It’s only encouraged us to find more space for artists, so keep an eye on our website and social media if you are looking for a place to home your creative practice.”

William Gaunt, joint Managing Director of Sunny Bank Mills said: “Ten years ago we had just 9 artists’ studio spaces, now I’m proud to say we have 48 studio spaces which are all filled, and we hope to grow that number in the years to come. Sunny Bank Mills has been and is a place of making, so it is a great privilege to have so many talented artists and makers working and developing their varied practices here. The latest release of studios in Red Lane Mill was formerly where the pattern looms operated, producing new designs to be sold across the world – so a truly creative space.”

For more information on Sunny Bank Mills visit: https://www.sunnybankmills.co.uk/

For a full list of artist studio holders visit: https://www.sunnybankmills.co.uk/arts/art-spaces/studios/studio-holders/

The next Sunny Bank Mills Open Studios event is Saturday 13^th & Sunday 14^th September 2025.