MADE IN WILTSHIRE
By Features Editor , Fiona Scott
Manufacturing is an important part of the UK business sector contributing something like £ 6.7 trillion to the global economy . Figures show manufacturing currently stands at about 45 per cent of UK exports and employs around 2.7 million people in the UK . The big manufacturing communities are still concentrated in the north of England but here in Wiltshire we have some notable names including Dyson , Honda , BMW , GripIt and many , many more . In fact we have many small producers in our county who often go under the radar and are not widely known among the business community . A colourful and diverse manufacturing community across Swindon and Wiltshire is something we should all be proud of . Often hidden away in bespoke workshops or factories – or even kitchen tables – all of these producers add to the vibrant economy in our county . Each year at the Business Exchange we celebrate and share some of their stories .
McCarron & Co , Bromham , Devizes
This company makes high quality , handcrafted bespoke furniture which is showcased in Wiltshire and London . They take commissions from all over the UK and overseas . Julie McCarron is the sales and marketing director .
How old is McCarron & Co ? The company was set up in 2009 by a group of craftsmen who formerly worked for a luxury kitchen brand which underwent some structural changes . When the Bromham workshop was under threat of closure , six of the team decided to go out on their own as talented and experienced furniture makers .
How big is the company today ? Today we have a staff of 56 and those six original investors are still working within the business . Our managing director is 46-year-old Andy McCarron but it was a group decision to use his name for the business . We do have a family feel and it ’ s all about the craftsmanship here . I recently joined the company as sales and marketing director , I ’ m Andy ’ s sister and there is a family feel within the business . We have showrooms in Bromham , Chelsea and Notting Hill .
What is your company ’ s aim ? Our aim is to re-define bespoke furniture , creating pieces which suit every customer ’ s individual needs and desires . Our showrooms offer inspiration and give people a starting point to fire their own imaginations . Many will often travel to Wiltshire just to see the workshop in action to see how their furniture is made by hand and to order .
How did Muso Mirror come about ? This invention was the result of a light-bulb moment for me . I ’ ve been playing the guitar and the piano since childhood and I was taught to play the guitar in particular using a mirror . It makes it easier to see what you are doing without twisting your body and craning your neck to ensure your fingers are in the right place . I ’ ve done this ever since and always advised my students to do the same .
“ One day a pupil told me it was a pain to set up a mirror to do it and I realised instantly that I could do something about that .”
How did you create your 1st bespoke mirror ? I literally visited a local DIY shop bought a lamp and a mirror and created a simple prototype to test it out . I then created a second prototype which was more refined and took it to music and education shows to test its appeal .
What was the response ? It ’ s one of those things which is disarmingly simple – and I believe the best ideas are - and the response was amazing . I also was featured in some magazines for the education and music industry and those comments spurred me on to try to build it properly .
How are you producing the mirrors today ? I was introduced to a company which – I couldn ’ t believe this – are about three minutes from my home . The MD John Jackett , loved the idea and I ’ m now working with
Describe your customers ? We do tend to work with high net worth individuals , interior designers , architects and property developers . We offer bespoke furniture for all rooms in the home including kitchens , bathrooms , bedrooms , living rooms , boot rooms , wine rooms and media rooms . Typically a customer would be looking to spend from £ 35,000 .
What ’ s coming up in the future ? We ’ re looking to refresh our Bromham showroom to reflect some of the styles chosen by our customers over recent months .
For more info : www . mccarronandco . com
Muso Mirror , Calne
Set up by Alphonso Archer , 53 , the company offers mirrors for musicians that can be attached to a music stand allowing the performer to observe their playing technique and self correct as they practice or perform .
Altex Engineering Ltd to produce three versions of our mirror . The first production run was in January .
What ’ s next ? There ’ s so much more to come . I ’ ve been invited to introduce Muso Mirror at various events across the UK including to the Birmingham Conservatoire and I ’ m in talks with a possible distributor in the USA .
This isn ’ t rocket science . The problem it solves is that musicians can see what they are doing . For example , cello players can see and review their bowing technique and maintain good posture . Also there are lots of travelling teachers of music and this is a portable solution . It actually speeds up the learning process as well as providing benefits for posture and health .
For more info : www . musomirror . com
14 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2017