UK Enterprise Awards 2019

104 | SME NEWS - UK Enterprise Awards 2019 A British Leader in the Manufacturing and Reupholstery Market: Plumbs Ltd Established in 1953, Plumbs Ltd can be considered a true mainstay and stalwart of the UK’s manufacturing industry. Following their success in the 2019 UK Enterprise Awards- where Plumbs were named ‘Best Furniture Reupholstery Company’- we spoke with Emma Curtis, Head of Marketing, to find out more. Naturally for a company that has thrived in a notoriously competitive environment, Plumbs’ team and staff have been the fundamental cornerstone for their success, “Our staff are key to our success, we employ extremely skilled individuals from the first point of contact through to our manufacturing unit and follow up service teams. Many of our production staff, particularly reupholsters are time served skilled craftsmen. All of our staff are totally focused on delivering a quality product and are extremely passionate about the service we provide,” Emma adds. As we come to the close of the discussion, Emma offers more insight into the challenges that Plumbs is facing over the coming months and years. “Our main challenge is, as the business continues to grow, sourcing experienced upholsterers and being mindful of potential repercussions of the current retail climate and Brexit.” One of the key challenges for the future of Plumbs lies in broadening their client base. As Head of Marketing, Emma herself plays a crucial role in enhancing their brand and fully embracing digitisation. At the end of the day, finding new opportunities to grow remains a priority as Plumbs look at what the next fifty years will bring. “For 2019 our focus so far has been in driving investment on the web to enhance our brand. In addition, we have significantly invested in our infrastructure and machinery to ensure that we look for new opportunities for both our products and the service we provide.” There’s something to be said about the endurance of British businesses and their ability to adapt to an ever-changing market. As a result, companies like Plumbs have become cherished members of the collective consumer mindset, as they work hard to continue to thrive and flourish in their respective industries. These are family-owned and family-made, holding a truly client-centric ethos at their core. They are traditional yet evolving to the needs of their consumers. In an age defined by disruption and start-ups, these companies hold a special, almost sacred, place on the business landscape. Plumbs, in many ways, enjoys this reputation on the manufacturing landscape. With a focus on reupholstery services, Plumbs have firmly solidified their position in a market that is seeing a new rise in sustainable movements. Emma takes a moment to discuss this idea further. “Plumbs Ltd manufacture and supply direct to consumers made to measure furniture covers, we reupholster furniture and supply and fit made to measure curtains. We also provide additional soft furnishing such as bedroom throws, scatter cushions, foam and blinds. Ultimately, reupholstery offers a solution for keeping furniture out of landfill and we are very proud to be part of this ecological growth.” Regardless of the complexity of the piece, Plumbs have decades of experience in restoring and rejuvenating furniture of every shape and size: “from a simple chair, to the most complex fixed back box wing styles. Our free in-home advisory services make us truly unique, and it gives customers information and choice in the comfort of their own home, without pressure selling. Moreover, all measurements and fittings are provided by our home specialists making it simple and easy for all of our customers.” “Plumbs have been in business for over 50 years and are the UK leading manufacturers in our field. The extensive knowledge and experience of furniture styles ensures that we can satisfy our customers, with a noted ability to go above and beyond expectations.” Company: Plumbs Ltd Name: Emma Curtis, Head of Marketing Address: Brookhouse Mill, Preston, PR1 7PZ, United Kingdom Website: www.plumbs.co.uk Telephone: 01772838336