Retail was never on Crosskills owner Guy's '˜radar'

Despite retail never being on his '˜radar' Guy Crosskill has been running a shop in Gainsborough for six years.
Guy CrosskillGuy Crosskill
Guy Crosskill

Guy opened Crosskills in Church Street, Gainsborough, on April 23, 2011.

Guy said: “Retail was never really on my radar in terms of a career, although my partner Judi has worked as a jeweller and manager of a local family run jewellery business for more than 30 years and many years ago, while I was at school, my mother had a shop in Market Rasen.

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“When a long established engraving and trophy business in Gainsborough became vacant due to retirement we made enquiries to take over the premises and continue a similar business offering trophies and engraving to local club. But we also wanted to extend the service by offering quality engraveable gifts for presentations, weddings, christenings, corporate events and the like.”

Guy says the work he does at Crosskills is relatively routine although he does get some challenging requests from time to time.

He said: “A particular item immediately springs to mind which was a piece of functional art and design by a local engineer and artist which was an aircraft propeller, some 6 feet tall, which required the signature of the artist.

“We managed to complete the instruction but only after stripping our engraving machine down to accommodate the very heavy propeller while stabilising it with step ladders, foam and line.

“Quite an exercise in improvisation but very satisfying.

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“I believe that piece now forms part of a centrepiece welcoming clients to the reception of a prestigious international private jet and luxury travel company.”

Guy says he has also engraved items displayed during an exhibition in London’s Tate Modern.

He said: “Being able to accommodate a customer’s needs is very satisfying, particularly when their expectations are exceeded.

“Often our customers come to us with just the seed of an idea of what they would like allowing us to work together to achieve the desired result.

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“A satisfied customer leaving with a smile on their face is satisfaction indeed.”

Guy moved to Gainsborough in 1986 for his work and still lives in the town with his partner, Judi.

When he is not busy running the shop Guy and Judi like to keep fit and enjoy running as well socialising and dancing.

Guy said: “Mainly 1950’s jive and swing/lindy hop but we have just enrolled on a ballroom dancing course which we hope will allow us to enjoy all the music a big swing band can throw at us.”

n If you live in the Gainsborough area and have an interesting story to tell, or know someone who does, email [email protected] or call 01909 543009.

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