In 2024 we marked an important milestone for our business: 25 years of dedication to craftsmanship, design, and excellence. To celebrate, we sat down with our founders, John Hetherington and Ben Newman, to look back on the journey – from humble beginnings in a small Derbyshire workshop to becoming one of the most respected bespoke furniture and kitchen makers in the UK.
For John Hetherington, the road to cabinet making was anything but straightforward. After a successful early career in journalism, advertising, and publishing, John found himself craving something more hands-on and creative.
A brief stint in pottery and set design proved financially unviable, but it sparked a lifelong passion for making. Intrigued by the intricacies of marquetry and the satisfaction of hand-cut dovetails, John left his job at the Daily Mirror in 1988 and began crafting furniture in a small mill near Glossop.
With no formal training, clients, or real business plan, the early years were challenging. But a lucky break came when an article John wrote about his career switch, caught the eye of the head of marketing for American hardwoods in Europe. Commissions followed, and a second stroke of luck came via a local antique dealer, which led to a steady stream of restoration work.
John Hetherington
It was during this period that Ben Newman entered the scene. A Glossop native and furniture design student at Rycotewood College, Ben joined John for a short work placement. Their partnership was almost immediate as after graduating, Ben returned to work with John full time, bringing with him technical skill, energy, and a passion for craft. In 1999, they officially became business partners.
“We were different, but complementary,” John recalls. “Ben was more accurate, more skilled, and had a natural leadership quality. I leaned on him more and more.”
As the antiques market began to decline, the duo made a key decision – to pivot into bespoke kitchens and interior furniture.
They opened their first showroom in Knutsford, showcasing their refined craftsmanship and design-led approach. Commissions grew quickly, from individual kitchens to entire home interior projects.
Ben Newman
Mike Fetherston
Committed to a truly bespoke service rather than standard ranges, their love for historical details and traditional joinery techniques helped define their unique aesthetic. In 2008, designer Mike Fetherston joined, bringing beautiful hand-drawn visuals and elevating their design process even further. They also embraced new technologies, integrating CAD design and CNC machinery alongside traditional handcraft in a their workshop in Glossop.
In 2019, the team expanded to London with a new showroom in Holland Park – just ahead of the pandemic. Despite the timing, the move proved successful. Today, the company operates in both the North and South of England, occasionally taking on international commissions.
John stepped back from the business in 2023, leaving Ben and Mike to continue building the legacy. Now Managing Director, Ben balances life between the vibrant capital and the peaceful Peak District, remaining hands-on in both business operations and design.
As we celebrated 25 years, we reflected on the journey with gratitude and pride. From a dusty mill in Glossop to award-winning bespoke interiors, our story is one of passion, resilience, and relentless creativity. Here’s to the next 25.