The high demand from previous business partners for dining chairs has prompted former CPW owner Mike Hodgson to re-enter the trade with his brother Paul. Offering a wide range of European beech and oak chairs, M&P Chairs promises good quality products at competitive prices.
Furniture News asked Mike to further explain the concept behind M&P Chairs:
Why have you chosen to return to the trade at this point?
My decision to return to the trade is mainly because I have been constantly called by old customers as to where they can get a good supply of quality chairs – both ITW and finished – and also because my brother Paul has recently started to take a back seat in his banking career, in which he was highly successful.
He was looking for a new direction, and it seemed to be a great opportunity to return to something that has been so big a part of my life. I know he is looking forward to getting involved, and it will be good to meet some old and new customers, and friends.
Where can prospective clients see your range?
We have set up a new warehouse where all products can be seen. However, we have no plans for a posh warehouse – just good quality products at competitive prices.
Do you have any plans to supply the contract sector?
I have 34 years' experience, especially in chairs, and the contract furnishing trade is something that we will hopefully develop over the coming months, as we can source almost any style of chair.
Do you plan to extend your offering beyond chairs?
We intend to specialise in chairs and associated products, as there is still definitely a gap in the market for quality and service. During my 34 years in the game I have created so many contacts and suppliers that there is almost nothing we can't obtain.
It is not our intention to create a monster business, just to run a tight ship with the a few people who know what they are doing. People are fed up with the poor service and quality coming out of China, and the Far East in general, and having to order six to eight weeks in advance. We will be holding stocks of all our core products, and will endeavour to maintain them.
Most retailers don't want to carry stock, and our aim is to supply on a just-in-time basis. We will be able to deliver this service, depending on quantity and distance.
Do you envisage a different trading environment these days to that you were used to?
In the good old days when my old company CPW was at its most successful we carried up to 35,000 chairs in stock. This enabled us to create a UK and European customer base of more than 1500 retailers and wholesalers. Obviously, this will not happen in the future, as the whole trade has shrunk in all areas, but I am confident that there are enough people out there to generate a good trade.
What does your brother bring to the company?
I am pleased to be teaming up with my brother Paul. He is not that experienced in the furniture trade, but does have an in-depth knowledge of business in general, having been at the sharp end of the banking world for all his working life, travelling to just about every corner of this world, and undertaking some very complex and interesting tasks for a variety of major companies. He will be a great asset to the new company, and I look forward to working with him.
Mike can be reached on 07802 648383, or via email at [email protected]. See a sample of M&P Chairs' product in the November issue of Furniture News, coming soon.
