Four generations Old Tom's Workshop finalist for small business award

Old Tom’s Workshop in Rainford is a finalist at this year’s Small Awards having been shortlisted for Britain’s best sole trader business. 

Current owner of the family business Gyles Charnock is following in the footsteps of his grandfather and great grandfather carving out a career in the bespoke woodworking business.

Gyles uses many of the same tools and equipment as his grandfather and great grandfather to bring customers’ ideas to life including book exchange boxes, mud kitchens and reading sheds.

Gyles Charnock at Old Tom's Workshop

Now in its eighth year, the Small Awards is a nationwide search for the smallest and greatest firms in the UK, across all sectors.

It is organised annually by Small Business Britain, which champions, inspires and accelerates the nation’s 5.5 million small firms. 

Old Tom’s Workshop has been selected as one of eight finalists for the Sole to Sole category that recognises sole traders and celebrates the tenacity and drive it takes to go it alone.

With 11 different categories, the Small Awards celebrate the dynamism and resilience exhibited in the UK’s small business sector, across everything from sustainability heroes to digital stars, to long-standing family businesses.  

Four years ago, father-of-two Gyles was unexpectedly made redundant from his key account manager role at New Balance during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Having spent nine years with the company and worked in the sports trade sales industry since he was a teenager, Gyles decided to further his passion for high end woodworking and cabinet making, pursuing a craft that has been in his family for more than a century.

A bespoke bar

Gyles’ great grandfather Edward Wainwright was a cabinet maker in Rainford and passed his skills and knowledge onto his son, Gyles’ grandfather Tom Wainwright, who as well as woodworking had a passion for electronics.

In 1941 at the age of 14, Tom became a trainee service engineer at Rothery Radio in St Helens and by 1958 he had opened his own electrical retail and repair business in Rainford, relocating to Church Road in the early 1960s.

The premises remained in the family and is now used by Gyles, where he can work in the purpose-built workshop designed by his grandfather.

Wainwright's electrical shop in Rainford in the 1970s. The building is now occupied by David Davies Estate Agents and the workshop is at the rear of the premises

Gyles said: “When I started the business in 2020, the building was under tenant occupancy so I spent the first 13 months manufacturing my goods in my garden shed.

“Space was a big challenge and I focused by sales around small items that made ideal gifts such as candle holders and chopping boards, selling them on Facebook and Etsy.

“I built and launched my website in January 2021 with no previous experience in that area and moved into the current workshop in October 2021.

“I’m now able to produce larger furniture for people as well as companies and organisations.”

Michelle Ovens, founder of Small Business Britain, said: “The Small Awards is all about celebrating the inspiring small business owners who are at the heart of the economy and their communities.

“They are an opportunity to recognise and applaud the passion and resilience of the nation’s small firms, particularly amidst such turbulent times.

“Old Tom’s Workshop is extremely deserving of being shortlisted for this award and we can’t wait to celebrate with Gyles in May.”

Gyles said: “I’m delighted to have been shortlisted for this award.

“Being a sole trader is fantastic and incredibly rewarding but also comes with regular challenges.

“We can’t wait for the awards ceremony in London this and will be over the moon if we win.”

Judged by a panel of industry experts, the winners of all categories, including the overall winner of the Small Business of the Year award, will be announced at an awards ceremony at St Mary’s Church in London on May 16.  

Custom made office furniture