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Corporate member Fishpools celebrates 125 years in business
Hertfordshire-based Fishpools, which has grown to become one of the South East’s largest independent furniture retailers, is celebrating 125 years in business this year.
The family-owned-and-run company, which has been a Furniture Makers’ Company corporate member for a decade, was founded in 1899 by Ernest Fishpool with an £85 loan. The business is still based in the original Fishpools building in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire.
Fishpools’ CFO and commercial director, Ed Duggan, said: “Our history, expertise and knowledge has become part of the company’s DNA over all these years we’ve been in business. We’re really proud of the reputation we’ve built up across the South East for offering an impressive range of the highest quality furniture, as well as incredible value and first-class service.”
The evolution and growth of the business as the retail landscape changes has been key to the company’s continued success, according to Mr Duggan. “We are constantly growing our presence in the digital market and the customer’s journey almost invariably begins online,” he said.
“We’re fortunate to have our extensive showroom in Waltham Cross. It has become an iconic retail destination because of its long history and its size, and because it’s stocked with inspiring products across a wide range of price points. So customers will often visit our showroom to experience in person the product that they have seen online.”
Fishpools’ long corporate membership of The Furniture Makers’ Company is a reflection of the values shared by both organisations, said Mr Duggan. “The charitable work carried out by The Furniture Markers’ Company is superb and plays a vital role in providing welfare for so many people who work or have worked in the furniture industry.
“For us as an SME, it is also very useful to be able to network and make new contacts right across the furniture industry, which The Furniture Makers’ Company enables us to do via its many events. Added to that, the organisation has a long history and, as we’re now celebrating our 125th year, we appreciate the value of experience and permanence.”
Brian Ahern, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “Fishpools is a great example of a smaller business that is seeing the benefits of corporate membership. It’s part of our role as a livery company to ensure that being a member of our longstanding livery organisation creates unique advantages for businesses of all sizes in the industry.”