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Shining light in the world of interiors
AMID all the negativity that pervades the economy, there are shining lights, businesses that have expanded and are looking ahead with optimism to the year ahead and beyond.
AMID all the negativity that pervades the economy, there are shining lights, businesses that have expanded and are looking ahead with optimism to the year ahead and beyond.Count among them the long-established family firm of Tom McAlpin Interiors.
After more than 30 years based in Lincoln Road, Millfield, Peterborough, it has relocated to new larger premises at culley Court, off Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate.
"We are here to grow the business – our order books are full and we want to have more," said the firm's Phil Cureton. "We feel that being in this new site will benefit us in these tough times."
The new site benefits both company and customers alike.
There is more than three times the amount of floor space for the display, offices and production areas. Tom McAlpin Interiors has the space to house its growing collection of samples of carpets, laminates, wood floors, vinyls, fabrics, wallpapers and a few pieces of fine upholstery.
One of the main benefits to customers at Orton Southgate is the easily accessible parking, which is a transformation from their experiences at the previous Millfield location.
It is also easy to get to, a one-minute drive from junction 17 of the A1(M), for the many customers from throughout the Greater Peterborough area.
The Millfield area has undergone a dramatic transformation over recent years with the many traditional businesses in Lincoln Road making way for fast food, and convenience stores which cater for its growing cosmopolitan neighbourhood.
But one element that has not changed is the firm's expert interior design advice and the warm welcome offered to customers and clients, past and present.
"As a family business we offer a personal service, pay attention to detail and, often, come with word-of-mouth recommendation, which helps us retain customers," added Phil.
Family firm offers design service that recognises the individual
Tom McAlpin Interiors is a member of the Greendale Carpets and Floorings Ltd group, which has some 160 independent retail members.
being part of such an organisation enables the firm to compete favourably with the larger retail outlets, yet retain the high level of personal service that customers expect.
Its selection of carpet samples gives a wide range of choice, from woven Axminster and Wilton, from name brands such as Axminster, Brintons and Ulster, to the tufted twists, velvets and naturals from
manufacturers like Bronte, Brockway and Ryalux. For finishing touches, it can also provide a variety of rugs.
The firm offers a design service that recognises the individual – services range from simple advice about interior products for your home, through to a full comprehensive design package to suit your needs. So, from curtains, wallpapers, fabrics and trimmings to paint, carpets and furniture, it can help you in developing an interior style of your choice.
All the elements of the design concept are carefully made within Tom McAlpin Interiors' workroom. so, anything from curtains, covers, cushions and drapes are made to measure for any type of window, seat, sofa etc and the final trimmings, be it poles or assorted accessories.
The design team has access to the leading design houses' various samples of fabrics and wallpapers, and paint from the best in household brand names, such as Andrew Martin, Jane Churchill, Nina Campbell, Osborne & Little, Sanderson and Zoffany.
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The business started in 1975 when Tom McAlpin – who had worked for Norman Baxter & Son home furnishings business in Whittlesey and wanted to branch out on his own – opened a small shop in Lincoln Road, Millfield.
He was retailing carpets and beds, and was soon joined by fitter Barry Munns. Three and a half decades on, Tom and Barry are still active in the company.
The business expanded and they moved to a larger two-storey site across the road.
Tom then started to develop an interior design service – one of the first in Peterborough – helped by accounts with design studios in London.
Tom's wife, Shirley, joined the business on the soft furnishings side, making curtains and the like, aided by Lilian Saker, now retired.
Interior designer Frances Gudgen came on board in the '80s. In addition, Tom McAlpin Interiors purchased premises at 328A Lincoln Road.
As a result, the business had a greater presence in Lincoln Road courtesy of its display windows, as well as better facilities and parking. It could now provide a full package, both giving interior design advice coupled with offering some of the best materials on the market.
Phil, Tom's nephew, worked in general sales and management from 1989 to 1992, before returning to the fold about a decade later. Tom's son, Richard, joined in 2003 working in a sales/admin/fitting role.
Both Richard and Phil are charged with "moving the business forward," which involves maintaining contracts with housebuilders, securing new contracts and improving the service to individual customers.
Which they have done successfully as the business had grown to the point of needing to move out of Millfield.
The company has bought the property at Culley Court as an investment for the future.
At number 41, the ground floor is a display area for carpets, fabrics and flooring, including the "green" bamboo, as well as Pergo and Karndean laminates. Upstairs, there is an interior design studio, curtain making workroom, and two offices.
Number 43 is the production unit where carpet cutting is sorted out and preparations are made for installations. More recently, Francis Moore joined the installation team, trained in all aspects of flooring.
Having built up a successful network of interior designers, Lisa Marini, a chartered interior designer with experience in commercial and residential interiors including show homes, joined the company's expanding interior design operation at the beginning of 2009.
Lisa was a previous finalist in "Britain's best emerging interior designer 2008".
Tel: 01733 230499
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