The South West’s leading handmade rug and crafts business has secured its long term future thanks to significant investment from China.

Hallatrow-based Oriental Rugs of Bath is hoping the agreement could open up a new trading route into the fast-growing Far Eastern marketplace.

Manager Katya Maiseyeva said: “Our new investors Laurel and Ning Li heard about Oriental Rugs of Bath through a law firm in Manchester that specialises in connecting Chinese investors with UK SMEs.

“This investment secures the long-term future of the business and makes a potentially fruitful connection with China.”

The investment was made under the Government’s Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa scheme, which grants the investor a visa when they invest in a UK business.

Katya said: “We were thrilled to show Laurel and Ning around the shop giving them a better understanding of our product range and our ambition to build our reputation as the South West’s premier hand-made rug shop.”

Oriental Rugs of Bath sells hand-made, artisan rugs, kilims, bags, furniture and accessories from Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kazakstan, Pakistan and Turkey. They also provide bespoke rug cleaning and restoration to grand country houses around the  South West.

The business moved to the mezzanine at the Bookbarn International HQ in Hallatrow in 2013 – after many years based in Argyle Street just off Pulteney Bridge in Bath.

Katya concluded: “Oriental Rugs of Bath is a constantly evolving business – and Laurel and Ning’s investment will provide the foundation for further growth.”