When I finished school in my small Derbyshire town, a mere 30 years ago, and headed into an upholstery apprenticeship, I had no idea just how life-defining that choice would be.

It was tough, but I kept my head down, I listened, I learned, I removed staples from places staples shouldn't be. I walked in a boy and walked out a man, and can confidently say that it made me who I am today. I owe my career to that apprenticeship and I am forever grateful for the tough love of my peers and mentors. 

Skip forward 15 years, and in the blink of an eye, I was the mentor passing on my skills and training the next generation of upholsterers, when I opened Ministry of Upholstery. It was then that I realised my life’s purpose and why I continue to teach to this day. 

Back in present day Derbyshire, I’ve come full circle and it feels only right to mark that moment!