My career started as a full-time apprentice with a small, well established building company in Windsor, gaining experience working on Windsor Castle, Crown Estate properties and many other historic buildings. I studied and qualified in basic and advanced City & Guilds carpentry and joinery, going on to study and qualify with the Institute of Carpenters (IOC) over 40 years ago and am still a member.

Some years later I joined a large Construction company in Surrey, in their specialist building section and worked for them for 10 years before becoming self-employed and running my own business as a carpenter and joiner and general builder. This gave me a lot of experience dealing with plumbing, electrics, plastering as well as carpentry, home improvements, house repairs and renovations, and has proved invaluable when working for customers.

My self-employed work has taken me into Churches, making oak pews, bookcases, organ housings and into private schools creating reception desks & science laboratories, also making and fitting decorative wall panelling and creating a library of bookcases at a Gentleman’s Club in Mayfair, working closely with Architects. I have always built good working relationships with building inspectors where a project required their services.

Working on old or new properties, I really enjoy, and approach all work sympathetically. Customers tell me I have good design ideas, listen to what people want and make practical suggestions. I love hand making, tailor made, unique free-standing cupboards, bookcases, or fitted shelves sometimes out of reclaimed wood to fit an awkward space in someone’s home.

Suggesting creative ideas and giving good sound advice is what keeps the interest in my business alive. I am a problem solver and love the challenge of a seemingly difficult task, however large or small.

I am now based in Ludlow, Shropshire.