HOME + GARDEN
TUBO :
Bespoke furniture handmade in Kent
ENTREPRENEUR JACK O ’ SULLIVAN STARTED HIS BESPOKE FURNITURE DESIGN BUSINESS , TuBo ( TUBES AND BOARDS ), IN 2019 AND SINCE ITS INCEPTION THE COMPANY HAS GONE FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH . BY USING THE HIGHEST QUALITY RECLAIMED MATERIALS AND OTHER LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES , TUBO HAS BECOME THE GO-TO OPTION FOR PEOPLE LOOKING FOR FURNITURE WITH A PERSONALITY ALL OF ITS OWN . WE SAT DOWN WITH JACK TO DISCUSS HOW HE MADE THE MOVE FROM ELECTRICIAN TO BUSINESSMAN , HOW THIS UNIQUE IDEA CAME TO HIM , AND WHAT HIS PROUDEST MOMENT AS A TUBO ’ S CREATOR HAS BEEN .
How did the idea for Tubes and Boards come to you ?
While researching and planning the interior design of my first property I came across various industrial and rustic designs that I was drawn to . This led me to look into ways that I could recreate my own style of furniture with this aesthetic in mind . After building my first open ‘ naked ’ wardrobe and coffee table I was then approached by friends and family to make them similar items ... and TuBo was born !
You worked as an electrician for over 10 years , what was it that gave you the push to start something completely new ?
My career as an electrician has served me well . I ’ ve learned a lot of vital skills that complement the work I do today . Having achieved what I had as an electrician , I was ready to pursue a new venture in furniture design . There is a strong feeling of fulfilment and satisfaction when designing and building a unique piece of furniture from scratch .
The materials you use are always sourced locally and of the highest calibre , and you also work closely with local small businesses - why are these things so important to you ?
I grew up in the Westwell / Charing area so I have deep rooted connections here . The purpose of TuBo is to make high quality products made of the materials sourced from local small businesses that I trust .
Tell us a little about how you source your reclaimed materials .
I have close connections with a couple of local scaffolding firms who provide the majority of our timber . Tubing can be a little harder to source but I know a couple of local gas engineers / plumbers who regularly drop offcuts of tubing to the workshop .
What has running your business taught you that you weren ’ t necessarily prepared for ?
Be organised . Write everything down and take notes , but realise that the to-do list will never be complete .
What has been your favourite project that you ’ ve worked on so far ?
One of our most recent projects was an office refurb for the guys down at Tavern Creative , a couple of XL moveable worktops and an XL desk along with a huge shelving unit . That was a special one just because of the sheer size of the units !
How has the business grown since you started it in 2019 ?
What started off as a hobby has grown and developed into a full-time job . The business has a strong social media following and we are often approached about larger scale commercial projects . As the business continues to grow we have more ideas that I look forward to sharing with everyone soon .
www . tubesandboards . com tubes _ and _ boards
112