OLD Tom’s Workshop has been named as one of the nation’s 100 most impressive small firms by the Small Business Saturday UK campaign.
The custom furniture, joinery and woodworking business, founded by Gyles Charnock in 2020, is one of the firms featured in this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up, which showcases one hundred of the most impressive independent businesses from across the UK as the industry counts down to Small Business Saturday on December 7.
The special event has been running for more than a decade and it is the UK’s most successful small business campaign, celebrating small businesses and encouraging consumers to shop local and support firms in their communities.
The popular business, which is based on Church Road, dates back four generations with Gyles 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.
Custom made office furniture
Gyles, who has been invited to a special event at the House of Lords later this month, said: “We’re delighted to have been included in this year’s #SmallBiz100 line-up.
“The Small Business Saturday UK campaign does a fantastic job of helping businesses across the country build their brands and support networks at what for many is a crucial time of year.
“Being highlighted as one of the 100 most impressive small businesses in the UK is a real privilege.”
Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “It’s great to celebrate Old Tom’s Workshop as part of this year’s campaign.
“This year’s SmallBiz100 list shows the huge contribution small businesses make to their communities and the wider UK economy.
“Despite the economy turning a corner, the nation’s small businesses continue to feel the fallout of a challenging few years and still need significant support to get back on their feet.
“Small Business Saturday is all about getting the nation to come out in force and show its love for our local businesses.”
A bespoke bar
On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK are asked to go out and support all types of small businesses, from independent shops and restaurants to small service and b2b businesses like accountants and plumbers.
Many of the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering promotions.
Since the UK campaign started in 2013, it has reached millions of people and seen billions of pounds spent with small businesses on the day itself, with an impact that lasts all year round.
Last year, the campaign received support from the Prime Minister and the Mayor of London, as well as the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
More than 90 per cent of local councils also supported the campaign, which trended across social media on the day.
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
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here