Bespoke T-shirts prove lifeline for Portsmouth events business as it opens new shop Party & Print in Fratton

For Alex Dutton and his business partner Vicki Lackenby, it came at an awful time for their events business.

However, after managing to raise £4,000 to stay afloat, they decided to focus on a small part of their business – printing bespoke T-shirts.

Now, after seeing demand for their goods soar, and with hopes for a brighter 2021, they have taken on a physical shop, at the Bridge Centre in Fratton.

The shop, called Party & Print, opened last month, offering click and collect services to adhere to lockdown rules, but the pair say they are looking forward to finally opening the doors of their shop properly.

Alex, 31, said: ‘We had been running our DJ business for around three years. When Covid hit we were full-time, running four nights a week and multiple kids parties, even putting on discos for up to 500 children. We had just sold out shows in Southampton and Portsmouth, then lockdown happened.

‘We still had bills to pay, we didn't know what to do. We managed to raise £2,000 through a crowdfunder and the council match funded that so we had £4,000 to last us for six months but then the money starting running out and we needed to find something else. That’s when we struck upon the T-shirt business.’

SEE ALSO: Portsmouth based party company 'overwhelmed' as £4,000 crowdfunder saves them from closure

After seeing the demand was there, and with orders flooding in from other Portsmouth firms like Delight and Drift, they quickly outgrew their small base at the Big Yellow Self Storage in Rodney Road.

They saw the former Cubano Beach Club unit was empty, after the business had moved to Waterlooville, and began the long process of getting the keys.

They finally took over in November and starting settling in, by giving the outside a lick of bright pink paint to stand out, putting up their Party & Print signage and buying new printing equipment.

Dad-of-three Alex said: ‘It was a long process but when we got the keys it was an amazing day. It is a perfect home for us.'

The pair have expanded their range and they hope to start holding parties and events in the space upstairs, as soon as restrictions allow.

Alex said: ‘Portsmouth has been so supportive of us. Portsmouth businesses like to help other Portsmouth businesses.

‘Everyone helps cover each other, especially when someone is starting something new, It is so nice to have that support and a great place to be.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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