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A great British renaissance has been taking place. From Aberdeen to the West Country, the zing is back in manufacturing. It’s about time this spectacular story was told.

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Investment boosts AstleyClarke.com

by Real Deals & Real Business - Wednesday, 2nd July 2008 -

Investment boosts AstleyClarke.com

Bec Astley Clarke's online luxury jewellery business has received £2.75m from venture firm Index Ventures to help improve systems and infrastructure, and grow the customer base.

AstleyClarke.com was established in 2006 by the firmer Tesco.com employee; it offers customers in Europe, the US and Middle East access to more than 50 bespoke jewellery brands.

Celebrity clients include Nicole Kidman, while busy City bankers are also said to like the same day delivery service offered by the company.

“Index brings with them exceptional expertise in the online arena which we look forward to applying to the luxury space," Clarke says.

"Our vision at AstleyClarke.com is to build a hugely stylish luxury brand online. Our aim is to be selling more designer jewellery online than traditional jewellery brands such as Tiffany."

Index has already backed Bestfair, Lovefilm and Glasses Direct. One of the firm's partners, Danny Rimer, will join Clarke and Mark Esiri from Venrex on AstleyClarke.com's board of directors.

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