08.11.05
Poultry feathers provides just the nest for upholstery business

A bespoke new showroom and workshop for Bruce Jack Upholsterer opens its doors next week (Friday 18th and Saturday 19th November) to anyone interested in seeing the excellent standard of work on offer or learning more of the traditional techniques involved in upholstery.

The open day, which will feature demonstrations and furniture in various stages of restoration, is to celebrate the opening of the new premises made possible by a Rural Diversification Capital Grant to convert a former poultry house at Cox Park Farm near Gunnislake.

Prior to his retirement beef farmer Jeffrey Hearn applied to the Business Link Devon and Cornwall run grant scheme to turn an old poultry plucking shed into new premises called 'Feathers Barn' for his son-in-law Bruce's upholstery business.

Bruce Jack Upholsterer now employs two full-time and one part-time employees including Jeffrey's daughter Angie who does the business administration.

Marilyn Pryor Business Link's Rural Diversification Capital Grant contract manager said: "The new building has not only given the farmyard a face lift but is now ensuring two generations of one family are making a living off the farm. The conversion of the redundant poultry shed has improved the viability of the holding."

Thirty five year old Bruce got into the trade after studying in Wiltshire and then taking an apprenticeship in traditional upholstery with Brian Morse at Wadebridge. Following Brian's retirement Bruce decided to set up on his own, working out of an old shed on his father–in-law's farm. "Initially, it was good to have somewhere to work - but it wasn't ideal," says Bruce. "The floor was uneven and it was difficult keeping the climate suitable for restoring old furniture."

Now all that has been solved - the new climatically controlled premises boasts a showroom, a small office and 1000 sq feet of level light workshop space plus a store for goods in and out. The new building has also given Bruce the opportunity to expand his business and employ more people. He is currently doing a teaching qualification and hopes to run training courses for budding upholsterers from the new premises next year.

"As well as my father-in-law getting the capital grant that has made this all possible I have also received some valuable assistance from Business Link to help move the business forward. Whatever the question, Business Link has always been most helpful and found a solution," says Bruce. "I am passionate about antiques and there is currently no training organisation in the South West that is running upholstery courses. I think it's really important that we keep people coming into the industry and encourage them to take up the craft."

Bruce Jack Upholstery will be open on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th November 11am to 4pm at Cox Park Farm, Gunnislake. For further information please call 01822 834433.

For further information please contact press officer Carolyn Daw on 01566 771863 or email: cdaw@marketing-pr.co.uk.

The Objective One Partnership for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in the Business Link Rural Diversification Capital Grant scheme through the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF).

Anyone considering applying for EAGGF investment for a new horticulture, food and land based industries project is advised to speak with Maria Ford, at Government Office South West - 01752 635015 - before commencing development as there are now only limited funds available due to the successful uptake of investment by the agricultural sector in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Editor's notes:

Business Link provides a free information and enquiry service via an information gateway on the web www.blinkdandc.com and via the telephone on 0845 600 9966 to all businesses and those considering starting a business. Additionally It provides impartial business advice and support through a network of partner organisations, which it co-ordinates, and a register of independent business practitioners. Business Link for Devon and Cornwall delivers the national Business Link service to the region under contract from the South West RDA.

Business Link has received Objective One investment (European Regional Development Fund and EAGGF) to help companies improve performance and grow.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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