Oceanic Woodstore
Carving Out Success in Newhaven
Founded in Brighton in 2023, Oceanic Woodstore creates handmade furniture and home décor using solid wood and resin art. The business was started by Jim Callender, who turned a passion for woodworking into a growing creative studio based on the Sussex coast. With support from Let's Do Business Group and funding through the Newhaven Enterprise Zone's Low Carbon Investment Fund, Oceanic Woodstore has been able to invest in more energy-efficient workshop equipment and continue growing its handmade furniture from its base at Newhaven Enterprise Centre.
Every piece that leaves Jim's studio is made by hand from reclaimed and sustainably sourced wood, with each one carrying its own unique character. The range spans the home, from resin river dining tables and coffee tables to solid oak doorstops, scaffold board shelving, reclaimed benches and handmade chopping boards.
Oceanic Woodstore is perhaps best known for its striking resin furniture collection, where solid wood slabs are combined with ocean-inspired resin art to create statement pieces that are as individual as the homes they go into.
Alongside the furniture range, Jim also runs creative classes from the Newhaven studio, giving customers the chance to learn new skills and craft their own resin pieces under his guidance.
Oceanic Woodstore originally began by selling products through online maker platforms such as Etsy, where Jim tested the market and refined his craft. As demand grew, the business was able to invest in better tools and move into a dedicated workshop space, helping to improve not only the quality of products but also the scale of production.
Reflecting on the early days of the business, Jim said:
“When I first started doing it, I really didn’t understand the skills or qualities required by customers. Looking back at our first year’s work, we’ve come a long way in getting it right, in terms of expertise and also the quality of our tools and workshop studio space.”
Putting Down Roots in Newhaven
Since relocating to Newhaven Enterprise Centre, a centre located on Denton Island and managed by Let's Do Business Group, the business has continued to grow. With wood delivered directly to the workshop and products shipped across the UK, the location has helped streamline operations and support expansion.
For Jim, being part of the Newhaven business community has been one of the biggest highlights so far.
“It has to be moving to Newhaven Enterprise Centre. The support and welcome we’ve received have been incredible. It sounds cliché, but we really are part of a caring business community.”
Building a More Sustainable Workshop
Oceanic Woodstore received funding through Newhaven Enterprise Zone's Low Carbon Investment Fund, a pilot scheme designed to help local businesses invest in low-carbon technologies and support their long-term growth. Delivered in partnership with Let's Do Business Group, the fund supported businesses across Newhaven that were looking to reduce their environmental impact through equipment upgrades and operational improvements.
For Oceanic Woodstore, the funding helped support investment in more energy-efficient workshop equipment and improved air purification systems within the studio. Alongside helping the business operate more sustainably, these improvements have supported day-to-day productivity and created a healthier working environment as the business continues to grow.
The Low Carbon Investment Fund formed part of a wider package of support delivered across Newhaven, with more than £535,000 awarded through local grant schemes that unlocked over £1.5 million in combined public and private investment for businesses in the town. The programme supported projects focused on sustainability and business growth, helping to create jobs, as well as strengthen Newhaven's business community.
Building on the success of the previous Low Carbon Investment Fund and Refurbishment of Employment Space Fund, Let's Do Business Group is now helping to deliver the NEZ Business Growth Fund as part of the wider Newhaven Forward 2026–2028 programme. The new scheme brings together support for low-carbon investment and capital projects into one flexible grant programme, designed to help businesses across Newhaven invest, expand and move towards a more sustainable future.
Working alongside Business Manager Emily throughout the application process, Jim received guidance at every stage.
“With the help of Emily, we achieved funding. Emily knew exactly what was required. She assisted us in completing various parts of the application process, which made the whole process easier and saved us lots of time.”
The funding enabled Oceanic Woodstore to invest in equipment that supports both the sustainability and long-term development of the business.
“It’s been fantastic to support Jim and see how Oceanic Woodstore has grown since moving into Newhaven Enterprise Centre. The funding has helped his business to invest in sustainable equipment that will support its long-term growth, and it’s a great example of how local grant funding can make a real difference to small businesses looking to develop and innovate.”
Shaping the Future
Looking ahead, Jim's immediate focus is on pushing the scale and ambition of his work, creating larger statement furniture pieces using locally and sustainably sourced wood that truly reflect the craftsmanship at the heart of Oceanic Woodstore. In the longer term, his vision is to build a strong and recognisable brand for the creative studio in Newhaven, one that brings together the furniture range and the growing programme of small, hands-on classes where customers can come and learn new skills directly from Jim himself.
Since launching, the Newhaven Enterprise Zone grant programmes have supported dozens of businesses across the town to invest in their premises and unlock growth opportunities. The original funding schemes helped generate new jobs, attract further investment into Newhaven and support businesses looking to strengthen their long-term resilience.
Businesses based within the Newhaven Enterprise Zone can now access support through the latest Newhaven Grant Schemes, including the NEZ Business Growth Fund, delivered by Let's Do Business Group as part of the Newhaven Forward 2026–2028 programme. The funding is designed to help businesses invest in equipment and workspace improvements that will support their future development.
To find out more about applying to the fund, visit the NEZ Business Growth Fund page or contact the team directly at info@ldbgroup.co.uk.
Looking for a new home for your business? Find out more about Newhaven Enterprise Centre.