The Long Eaton Upholstery industry, Long Eaton Chamber of Trade and East Midlands Trains have collaborated to brighten up Long Eaton Railway Station for the summer, and local resident, Ruth Stubbings, has volunteered to be the station adopter, and will help make sure the station is kept in good condition.
Long Eaton is the UK Centre for Quality Upholstery Manufacture, and this is recognised by the brand logo being on display at the station. The furniture industry, in conjunction with Long Eaton Chamber of Trade, have arranged for the station to have flower displays as well as the brand logo which are all now on show.
Andrew Mitchell, representing the upholstery industry, says that many important buyers visit Long Eaton from around the world, and the station gives them a first impression of the town: “We are delighted to be able to show that the town is proud of its skills and is keen to make a good impression.”
Michael Lucking, chairman of Long Eaton Chamber of Trade, says he is extremely pleased that it had been possible to bring together residents who take pride in their town with local firms and East Midlands Trains to brighten up the station: “Few people are aware that much of the finest upholstered furniture found in hotels, embassies and homes around the world is manufactured in Long Eaton.”
The furniture industry employs over 2500 people in the town, generating sales of at least £250m each year.
Pictured are: (back row) Michael Lucking; Ruth Stubbings; Ray Terry, secretary of the Long Eaton Chamber of Trade; Paul Mobbs, customer experience manager, East Midlands Trains; Mark Maternagan, station services, East Midlands Trains; (front row) Simon Davey, creator and winner of the Long Eaton Logo competition; Andrew Mitchell; and Alastair Morley, Derbyshire community rail officer.
