Where it all started
Our grandad Albert, a true English gentleman, was an upholstery expert since his 20s, honing his skills at various places throughout his career. He believed in the essential qualities in his craft, and he passed this invaluable knowledge to his son Philip, who followed in his footsteps. Albert's passion for upholstery knew no bounds, and even into his 90s, he continued to work diligently for New England Design. His dedication and expertise were remarkable, and he took great pride in his son's accomplishments in the industry. We honor and cherish his legacy, as his influence and love for upholstery continue to inspire us every day.
Since 1985
Philip Holmes began his journey in the furniture industry at John Flemings Furniture Ltd, where he worked until the age of 27. During this time, he nurtured his passion for furniture making by crafting custom pieces in his garage—a bold and cheeky side venture. After thoughtful discussions with his wife Suzanne, they decided to take a leap of faith and strike out on their own, turning their shared passion into a business of their own.
The Founders
Inspired by their shared love for furniture and design, Philip and Suzanne, the "better looking half," dreamt of creating a business that would offer quality British manufactured furniture directly to the public and trade. With invaluable guidance from Phil's father, who had a wealth of experience in the upholstery industry at Guy Rogers Furniture, they realized their dream by establishing New England Design in their cherished hometown of Todmorden. Since then, they have been dedicated to delivering exquisite craftsmanship and exceptional furniture to their valued customers.
The Original New England Design Team
The original team at New England Design formed a close-knit family, fueled by their passion for crafting exceptional furniture. Guided by visionaries Phil and Sue, each member embraced their role with dedication and enthusiasm. Skilled apprentices infused fresh perspectives, while seamless coordination between upholsterers, sewers, cutters, fillers, and delivery drivers resulted in meticulously crafted masterpieces. The team's commitment to excellence and craftsmanship left a lasting impression on customers, inspiring the present team to continue the legacy.
You can spot Phil and Sue at either ends of this photo 📸
From Garage to Grandeur: Crafting Excellence, Inspiring Spaces
Throughout the years, the company has experienced remarkable growth and success. Today, we boast a spacious workshop and showroom, strategically located on Todmorden Road, merely a mile away from our humble beginnings. This expansion allows us to continue offering our valued customers an even greater selection of bespoke furniture and interior solutions. Our journey from a small garage operation to a thriving business is a testament to our dedication to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. We are proud to have come this far and look forward to serving our community with passion and excellence for many years to come.
Embracing a New Chapter: Our Home Since 2010
To showcase our ever-expanding ranges and styles of exquisite furniture, we knew we needed more space and the magic of natural light. That's why we made a strategic move to new premises with abundant windows, allowing us to display our collection in all its glory, basking in the glow of daylight. Unlike our previous location, this new space provided the perfect canvas to inspire creativity and elevate the furniture shopping experience.
With the newfound room to breathe, we took the opportunity to diversify our offerings further. In addition to our beloved furniture pieces, we expanded our repertoire to include a stunning selection of curtains and blinds. Now, customers can not only find their dream sofa but also discover the perfect window treatments to complement their living spaces. And as a testament to our commitment to personalized style, we introduced our bespoke interior design service, creating a seamless journey from envisioning to reality for our cherished clientele. Embrace the transformation at New England Design, where every corner exudes the essence of exceptional craftsmanship and elegance. 🪟🛋️🌟
Passing the Torch
As Philip and Suzanne contemplate stepping back, their daughter Jemma, with her managerial experience and unwavering passion for style and decor, emerged as the perfect successor.
With a seamless blend of family legacy and fresh perspectives, Jemma, Samantha, and Ashley now lead New England Design into the future. Having grown up surrounded by the showroom and factory, the next generation brings their own expertise and successful ventures from other industries, finally returning to infuse their passion and knowledge into the furniture world they know so well.
Together, they breathe new life and direction into the business, continuing the legacy of excellence for years to come.
Jemma
Managing Director
As Managing Director, Jemma's leadership skills have been honed through her successful management of a wedding and events business for over a decade. When she joined New England, she began her journey from the ground up, immersing herself in every aspect of this multifaceted industry.
With a keen eye for style and a passion for interiors, Jemma has driven the company forward, propelling it into the future while embracing growth and adaptability.
Her vision and expertise have allowed New England Design to flourish and evolve, making it a dynamic force in the furniture world.
Samantha
Marketing Manager
Samantha's journey began with her part-time work at Jemma's florist, where she showcased her talent for creating and designing stunning floral arrangements tailored to diverse client preferences.
As fate would have it, these skills seamlessly transitioned into her role at New England Design, where colors, styles, and customer needs intertwine in the world of sofas and upholstery. With her artistic flair and attention to detail, Samantha brings a unique perspective to the team, ensuring each piece perfectly reflects the individuality and tastes of our valued customers.
Beyond her floral and upholstery talents, Samantha discovered a new passion for marketing and web design. With a keen eye for aesthetics and a love for storytelling, she embarked on transforming New England Design's online presence and brand image. Leveraging the power of social media and strategic advertising, Samantha has been instrumental in attracting new clients and expanding our services. Her dedication to the growing business ensures that every aspect, from the showroom floor to the digital landscape, showcases the essence of New England Design's creativity and exceptional craftsmanship.
Ashley
Workshop Manager
Ashley's journey with New England began in his late teens, where he wholeheartedly immersed himself in every aspect of the business, from sewing to delivery. With a deep passion for upholstery and a thirst for knowledge, Ashley quickly became an invaluable asset to the company, earning him the title of factory manager. His extensive experience and expertise in the craft make him an unparalleled authority in upholstery (except for, perhaps, Philip). As the head of our new design department, Ashley continues to excel, crafting innovative ranges that seamlessly blend aesthetics with functionality. His dedication and hard work have been key to our growth, and we are proud to have him as an integral part of our team.