A NORTH EAST based retailer has expanded in space and staff after experiencing significant growth.
In order to accommodate the company’s brand new product launches and revamped IT systems, the team have moved into larger work premises in Jarrow to aid further growth.
Since their conception in 2013, Funky Chunky furniture have been creating handmade rustic furniture and grown from strength to strength with new ranges, staff and a notable revenue increase.
Kevin Johnston, who had previously been running Ask the Joiner, a local joinery service, founded the business in order to pursue his ambition to break into the furniture manufacturing industry within the North East.
From humble beginnings back in 2008, Kevin and a small work premises equipped with just one machine, began considering how to make his dream a reality.
In need of an operations director to lead the company, Kevin approached James Brand who boasted a photography degree and an extensive IT skill set which would soon come in handy with future online sales.
In just a short time, orders started to pour in and the duo appointed another Joiner, Jordan Chatten, who now resides as the workshop team leader.
Funky Chunky Furniture have been continuously recruiting to support their retail demands over the past 4 years and thoroughly anticipate it will continue over the next few years.
Now in 2018, the firm has 16 full time employees across a range of fields including customer services, product design and joiners within the workshop.
For Kevin, it is apparent that all of the companies new additions have helped the firm to thrive.
“In year two our turnover had increased by 259%, in year 3 we increased by 68% in year 4 we increased by 55%. This year we are forecast for a further 133% growth in turnover. The business has performed very well in the first 5 years, on average it has grown 59% year on year. There is a good market for our products but the success of the business is down to our excellent staff, they are great at what they do and work very hard. We are lucky to have such a great team.”