A glassware manufacturer was given a big break when its designs were snapped up by Harvey Nichols.

Atoll Marbled Glass, in Whitstable, earned its first big commission with the retailer’s Knightsbridge store in April following a rebrand earlier this year.

Its designs can be seen across the revamped menswear floor.

“I had been sending samples to various design companies in London and one picked up on it,” said Sarah Holliday, who has run the business with husband Mike Phipps for 15 years.

“They had been given permission to design the new menswear department at Harvey Nichols. It was nice to have someone take a chance on a new product.”

Atoll has been developing its new glazed marble glass over the last three to four years.

Previously known as Middle Wall Glass, former painter Mrs Holliday and ex-furniture maker Mr Phipps have moved the business from contract glass manufacturing into the interiors market, particularly glassware splashbacks for kitchens.

“Now everyone makes them so we had to come up with something new,” said Mrs Holliday. “That is how we have got to where we are.

“Making marbled glass was a gradual evolution of playing around with ideas, knowing that people really like marble.

“We are not a huge company with a big design section. We are just us and we get on and do these things.”

Since the relaunch and rebrand this year, the focus of the business has shifted from development to marketing.

“It’s about getting our product under the noses of as many influential people in the interior design world as possible,” said Mrs Holliday. “We want it used in a commercial setting but also in high-end residential developments.”

The firm recently made the trophies for the Red Ribbon Awards, held at Wembley Stadium and run by Detling-based consultancy Family Business Place.

Situated in the heart of Whitstable, the company uses its location as a key marketing tool.

“We play on that a lot,” said Mrs Holliday. “Whitstable is seen as a very arty and trendy place. People like the idea of something being British-made and knowing where it has come from.”