Rishi Sunak's support measures have proved an invaluable lifeline for businesses throughout this pandemic – but some enterprises slipped through the cracks of the Chancellor's plan, and were forced to fend for themselves throughout lockdown and beyond.
Among these is the Sutton In Ashfield-based Carpenter & Cartwright Furniture Auctions, which was primed to launch back in March.
"We began preparing to open our business, Carpenter & Cartwright Furniture Auctions, in March 2020 just as the global pandemic hit," says Dean Carpenter, who co-founded the business with former colleague Adam Cartwright.
"Unfortunately, all our booked deliveries and discussions with possible vendors were firmly placed on hold whilst we all sat and waited to see what happened next. As Boris Johnson announced lockdown, we were unable to go anywhere until further notice."
Despite that early crisis, the business has gone on to become one of the UK's leading furniture clearance specialist auctioneers, offering a broad selection of new, seconds, end-of-line and discounted stock from leading manufacturers to some of the UK's best-known retailers.
It was quite the turnaround, says Dean: "As restrictions were lifted, we were able to access the premises again and continue preparations on our building for auctions. We were able to accept the few deliveries from companies still able to continue operating.
"It's been a very difficult year for everyone – hardly the ideal time to start opening your brand-new company! However, with a lot of patience, determination and help from fellow businesses in the furniture industry, we are now up and running."
Carpenter & Cartwright held its first auction on Wednesday 24th June, and has delivered numerous weekly auctions since.
"At these events, we've seen prices far exceed the usual expected figures," says Dean. "This has been a welcome surprise, and a relief for both our ourselves and, more importantly, our vendors!"
Pictured: Dean Carpenter and Adam Cartwright
