Team News
Meet the Distinctive Chesterfields Workshop Team – Part Two
Did you catch part one of our rundown of the people who make up our fine workshop team here at Distinctive Chesterfields? Today, we’re bringing you the second and final part into this mini, light-hearted look into the lives and loves of our team.
Ashley Carrier – Head of Development
Ashley (aka ‘Eddie’) Carrier is in charge of sketching out new models for our range, ensuring quality is always met and fabric and leather is measured to exact sizes to reduce wastage. Once a keen surfer, Eddie enjoys walking his three dogs in his spare time, or reading a great book.
My favourite thing about the role is: There’s always something different to do here, which is great.
An interesting fact about me is…I used to surf in Newquay, Cornwall in the summer – I love it.
The Chesterfield I’d choose is…The standard Hampton Chesterfield sofa. It’s really good looking – in fact, it’s more like an ornament.
My favourite thing to do on the sofa is…I never get chance to sit on the sofa as my three dogs are usually laid out, taking up space! I do like to read a good book on the sofa though, when I get chance.
My idea of a perfect day is…a day at the seaside with the dogs. And then I’d go to the pub for a nice meal and some drinks.
If I wasn’t head of development, I’d have also enjoyed being a….joiner. I did joinery when I left school, and I used to work in workshops with my granddad. I’d have also enjoyed being a mechanic as I love cars.
Will Couch – Workshop Manager
About Will: Will has been with the company for five years, having previously worked as an electrician. Today, he efficiently manages a team of 10 upholsterers to ensure the sofas are made to the highest possible standard. Outside of work, Will enjoys a nice stroll on a Sunday morning, taking in the Yorkshire scenery, or catching up with family and friends. Will also likes to indulge his passion for art, drawing portraits.
My favourite thing about the role is…seeing good quality furniture be distributed worldwide from such a small family-run business.
An interesting fact about me is…I’ve climbed Mount Everest
The Chesterfield I’d choose is…The Drummond six-seat in heritage whiskey
My favourite thing to do on the sofa is…eat a ham pizza from Davinci’s
My idea of a perfect day is…meeting a girl, go to a bar, have some drinks and food (preferably pizza), go home for some more drinks, watch a film (a rom com) and have some more drinks, and then go to bed.
If I wasn’t a workshop manager, I’d have also enjoyed being a….joiner, fitting handmade kitchens
Ben Starkey – Upholsterer (‘Finishing’ department)
About Ben: Ben says his favourite thing about his job in the ‘finishing’ department at Distinctive Chesterfields is seeing the final product. He’s in charge of buttoning the sofas, putting the front and back seats on and ensuring quality is met at all times. A Huddersfield Town football fan, Ben enjoys playing rugby and is a big fan of comedian Peter Kay.
My favourite thing about the role is…The moment I see the finished product – it’s a great feeling.
The Chesterfield I’d choose is…The Buckingham in Romany chocolate leather.
My favourite thing to do on the sofa is…browse the internet on my laptop.
If I could invite three people to a dinner party, I’d choose: Comedian Richard Ayoade from the IT Crowd, Adele (the singer), and Peter Kay.
My idea of a perfect day is…a big fry up in the morning, and then I’d head to Ireland for the day.
Mike Thomas – Upholsterer
About Mike: Having spent many years in the upholstery industry, Mike recently joined the busy workshop here at Distinctive Chesterfields and loves the laid back atmosphere.
My favourite thing about the job is…having a laugh/banter with the rest of the workshop
The Chesterfield I’d choose is…The Harewood, as it’s elegant and classic in look
My favourite thing to do on the sofa is...movie nights with my son Jacob
If I could invite three people to a dinner party I’d go for...George Best, Tommy Cooper and Einstein
My idea of a perfect day is…a day at the football, in the sunshine
If I could choose a new career path, it’d be…architecture
If I was auditioning for X Factor, the song I’d sing is…Easy by The Commodores
Andrew Farrell – Upholsterer
About Andrew: A recent new team member of the Distinctive Chesterfields workshop, Andrew is a rugby and darts player when he’s not at work. He’s also a fan of playing pool at the pub with mates.
The song I’d choose if I was auditioning for X Factor is…New York, New York
My idea of a perfect day is…getting everything done on time!
Elliot Womersley – Upholsterer
About Elliot: Need something heavy lifting? Elliot’s your man! He loves weight lifting in his spare time, and enjoys a nice bike ride or long walk.
My favourite thing about the role is…the satisfaction it brings.
The song I’d choose if I was auditioning for X Factor is…anything by Nine Inch Nails
If I could invite three people to a dinner party, I’d choose: The Queen and her family
My idea of a perfect day is…I’d go for a nice walk and try to get a tan, then end the day with a pint at tea time.
Ashley James Osbourne – Finisher
About Ashley: Ashley’s been with the company for over a year and loves the atmosphere in the workshop. He’s a Manchester United supporter, and loves off-road motorbiking and cycling in his spare time.
My favourite thing about the role is…it’s a new skill, so it’s really rewarding.
The Chesterfield I’d choose is…The Holyrood in deep blue
My favourite thing to do on the sofa is…play on the Playstation
If I could invite three people to a dinner party, I’d choose: Eminem, Van Persie, and Megan Fox.
My idea of a perfect day is…. I’d go abroad, maybe to Amsterdam
If I wasn’t a finisher I’d have liked to be a…striker for Man United!
Adam Hanson – Upholsterer
About Adam: A music producer in his spare time, Adam’s a fan of rugby, boxing and travelling. He’s a recent member of the workshop team and loves working alongside his new colleagues.
My favourite thing about the job is…the fact it’s really easy to get on with your work, as there are no distractions.
The song I’d choose if I was auditioning for X Factor is…Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd.
If I could invite three people to a dinner party I’d go for…Seth Rogen, Seth McFarlane, and Megan Fox.
My idea of a perfect day is…good weather, good friends and beautiful people. And some banging tunes!
Enjoyed these interviews? Don’t forget to check out part one of our fun Q&As with the workshop team here at Distinctive Chesterfields. You can also head here to meet team members of the office here in Honley.
Jamie Stringer – Upholsterer
About Jamie: Brother to Tom Stringer, who also works in our workshop, Jamie enjoys playing rugby, fishing and working out at the gym. After recently joining the team, Jamie has racked up a ton of overtime – such is his love for the job.
My favourite thing about the job is…learning new skills
The song I’d choose if I was auditioning for X Factor is…Damien Rice’s Cannonball
If I could invite three people to a dinner party I’d go for…Osama Bin Laden, the Pope, and the Queen
My idea of a perfect day is…working hard and doing overtime.
Enjoyed these interviews? Don’t forget to check out part one of our fun Q&As with the workshop team here at Distinctive Chesterfields. You can also head here to meet team members of the office here in Honley.