People’s Champion Finalist: Seriously Sofas

Start-up name: Seriously Sofas
Founder: Ruth Jones, 49, Andrew Jones, 52
Started in: 2011
Based in: Kingston upon Thames
Business description: Upholstery retail and trade specialists

The Seriously Sofas story:

For husband and wife team, Andrew and Ruth Jones, Seriously Sofas emerged from a passion for sofas and has grown into a business that supplies a wide selection of hand-crafted, British-made, and affordable furniture.

The duo, who have 30 years’ experience in retailing between them, made up of 10 years spent at Harrods and 20 managing upholstery manufacturers and retailers, connect customers with independent suppliers across Britain.

The company began trading from its central Kingston showroom in 2011. Now the business has moved to a much larger showroom and also sells to trade and retail customers across the UK and Europe, the USA, Tokyo, Auckland, Kazakhstan and South Africa.

Having grown organically, the Jones’ pride themselves on being huge supporters of family-run and independent upholstery suppliers across the UK, all of which have to be “capable of creating made to measure furniture by bespoking any of our standard models”.

As the company’s entry states: “Our USP is that every piece may be customised in the customer’s choice of fabric,” aside from one Swiss sofa bed which Seriously Sofas sells exclusively in the UK.

Along with supporting other local businesses the company also partners with many local charities and arts groups. This is something Seriously Sofas emphasises via its social media channels – alongside galleries of its unique collections.

And the Jones’ furniture business continues to respond to clients’ feedback. Its range of furniture has expanded to suit modern living and now offers a wide variety of contemporary products and compact designs, reflecting the trend for apartment living.

Why Seriously Sofas made our 50:

Organically grown, in less than three years Seriously Sofas has taken a local business global. By providing British-made bespoke furniture the Jones have made a virtue of artisan practices while taking affordability into account. The results are plain to see with fast-rising revenue and profits.

Where to find out more about Seriously Sofas:

Website: www.seriouslysofas.co.uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/seriouslysofas
Facebook: www.facebook.com/seriouslysofas
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/seriouslysofas

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