Showhome commission for Ed’s Shed Woodworking

Thakeham supports local entrepreneur

Thakeham has backed local teenage entrepreneur, Edward Anderson, by commissioning him to produce handmade wooden tableware to display in showhomes.

Edward Anderson had the opportunity to visit the Thakeham Head Office in Billingshurst, West Sussex to have a conversation about his woodware business with Julian Rooney, Chief Strategy Officer of Thakeham. The discussion opened the floor to Edward to ask questions and receive tips for business growth and development, ranging from finance, to the power of growth through marketing. Currently using sustainably sourced materials, Edward explained his future plans to become more eco-friendly as he progresses, including carbon-offsetting his business.

A big step forward for Ed’s Shed Woodworking

Edward’s business, Ed’s Shed Woodworking, specialises in producing wooden chopping boards, serving boards and wine displays. He also takes on bespoke commissions, recently he produced a custom wedding wine box as his first international order to France. Starting his passion for woodworking at 13 years old, today at the age of 15 Edward demonstrates fantastic business knowledge and has an inspiring drive to push his business to the next level.

Much to Edward’s delight, towards the end of the insightful and information-packed conversation, Julian announced his wish to commission him to produce his wooden chopping boards as the perfect finishing touch to the Thakeham showhome experience.

Julian, said: “We were so pleased that Ed could join us this week to share his ambitious plans for his business. He has already established an impressive turnover. I was struck by his passion for the product and his clear focus on making the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.

“I’m not surprised his business is doing so well. He is already producing wooden wares of a very high quality; exactly the kind of product we need to dress our showhomes. I was delighted to agree a commission with him, we will be using his wooden wares as the perfect finishing touch to enhance our show home experience.”

Royal Alexandra and Albert School (RAAS)

The visit had been arranged as part of Thakeham’s support for Edward’s school: Royal Alexandra and Albert School (RAAS) in Reigate, Surrey. Last year, Thakeham’s relationship with the school was recognised with an award for ‘Excellence in Partnership Working’ at Coast to Capital LEP’s Enterprise Adviser Network celebration event at Crawley College.

During ‘World of Work Week’ in July, Thakeham managers took over teaching Year 10 classes. During the classes, Thakeham staff revealed more about their own areas of expertise including CVs and interviews, design and engineering, advertising and marketing, leadership and entrepreneurship.

Edward Anderson, said: “I have already met several Thakeham staff when they visited my school. They taught us a lot about business and how to run one. It inspired many of us at school. I have launched my own business and I hope to grow it as quickly as I can.

“That’s why I was so grateful for the chance to meet Julian. He offered some great ideas and it really inspired me. It was a complete surprise to receive a commission to supply Thakeham as well. It was a great day.”

For Coast to Capital LEP, Lisa Mobbs, Careers Hub and EAN Lead said: “The relationship that Thakeham Group enjoys with Royal Alexandra and Albert School is a wonderful example of a private enterprise that appreciates the value in collaboration to inspire the next generation.

“It sounds like Ed had a wonderful day with Julian at Thakeham. He will have learned a lot. And, better still, Ed’s business will enjoy a boost thanks to a wonderful commission to supply wooden wares to Thakeham.”

At Thakeham, we are passionate about building future generations to come and are thrilled to welcome Ed as part of our extended Thakeham Family. We look forward to supporting his budding career.

Keep an eye on our social media (@thakeham) for updates on our collaboration with Ed’s Shed Woodworking. Follow Edward’s journey on his instagram: @ed_shed_woodworking