A REDDITCH tattoo and piercing parlour has moved to a new town centre site.

Matt Webster and Russell Godson have worked together as tattoo artists in Redditch since 2005, based at Millsborough House.

But a decision to convert the building into apartments meant a move after 17 years for the duo and their piercing partner Vanessa Browne, who joined them a year ago.

Vanessa said: “We started working with James Haynes at the John Truslove commercial property agency and he has been unbelievably helpful.

"He took us around a string of places until we saw the premises at Unicorn Hill; they were just fantastic.

“We’ve been working until 2am or 3am every morning during August getting the new premises ready, after working all day, but its’s been worth it. Our loyal customers are just so excited to see our new home.”

James Haynes helped the trio secure a five-year lease on 940 sq ft of space at 2 Unicorn Hill in Redditch town centre, with landlord Echo Island.

Vanessa Browne added: “The new place is being called Kirin Tattoo – a kirin is a Japanese unicorn, which fits with our new address.

“But it’s been bittersweet for Matt and Russell, saying goodbye after being at the previous premises for so long. They started out as Skill In Skin but renamed the business Millsborough House Tattoo in 2011.

“They have built up a strong clientele and they’ve been so welcoming to me since I joined them to work on piercing a year ago.

"They create such a warm atmosphere and produce wonderful work, which is why our customers are so loyal.

“We think they are going to love our new premises, right in the middle of the town centre. It means we are much more visible than before. We’ve worked hard on them, and James Haynes from John Truslove has been great – nothing was too much trouble, no matter how big or small, he would sort it. He’s been a real breath of fresh air.”

James Haynes said: “We are delighted to have helped an established Redditch business find a new home, and to have found such an excellent new tenant for our landlord client.

“These are ideal premises in the heart of Redditch town centre and I am sure Kirin Tattoo will go from strength to strength.”