Chris Waddington

Starting my apprenticeship at one of the most respected businesses at the age of 16 set me on the path for my career. I gained experience in veneer , solid timbers , laminates and solid surface finishes . We carried out manufacturing and also site works so was fortunate enough to get trained in all aspects of Joinery . Working my way up from the bottom i became a joiner and then progressed to the works foreman at 24 years of age looking after a growing team of nearly 70 bench hand joiners and apprentices . After being promoted again to Production Director i gained the skills of project management and costing . My joinery knowledge helped me in cost engineering and suggesting design and material changes for budget and durability. After leaving the business after many years and a change of ownership i worked at Director level for a local company building there client base and improving sales and structuring . Since 2013 i have been at Gresham Office Furniture building a team from scratch to bolt on to there offering in bespoke furniture . We now have a team who are apprentice trained bench hand joiners manufacturing and installing some of the finest items i have managed over my career so far.