History
Investor in People Award 2008 reported "the culture of Davenport is one of continuous development; this is in product design and the use of new materials, but also in the way the company is led and managed. New designs and enthusiasm proliferate thanks to a strong team ethic"
 | Davenport was created in 1978 in Nottingham by a man with a vision – injecting professional excellence, quality, design innovation and second-to-none service into each design to create truly unique and beautiful furniture individually designed to taste, needs and wants. 1978 One man band John Davenport opens a workshop and showroom in Wiverton Road, Forest Fields – a relaxed atmosphere (mostly) where people just dropped in for wood shavings for rabbits and the quiet work was reserved for the afternoon to listen to radio 4 plays – those were the days! 1978 to 1983 – the English market for manufacturing high quality bespoke furniture was developing in competition with the established German Market - this was supported by mortgage tax relief, favourable VAT rules and Council Grants to encourage a boom in home renovation. Nottingham is an area rich in cabinet-making skills with a long tradition in local business. Mick Davies (cabinetmaker) and Mig Davenport (accounts and girl Friday) joined John. Sarah Davenport was born and the company was ready to move onto the next chapter in their new premises at St Peters St Radford. 1983 to 1987 – apprenticeship schemes were integral part of Davenport and handing on traditional skills to young people was imperative to future development. Mark Woodhouse – with special responsibility for developing designs and production methods and Paul Bennett Production and Installation Manager - both highly talented cabinetmakers now nurturing a new generation - were two of the successful apprentices who joined during this period. This was also a period of heavy investment in new plant, a mezzanine floor and an additional workshop at No 10. 1987 to 1990 – new products were being designed and emerging – the majority still traditional and decorative but people were starting to experiment with contemporary styles increasingly using Corian rather than laminates for worktops and Hi-tech Gaggenau appliances were used to compliment beautifully hand crafted wooden furniture 1990 to 1996 – enormous energy was exerted to branch out to areas outside the East Midlands – 3 years were spent taking a beautifully fitted out trailer round agricultural shows - then exhibiting at the Good Food Shows and Ideal home exhibitions at NEC and Olympia - this not only brought in projects from other parts of the country but also from America. Nouvelle with its hidden drawers and Hamlet – beginning a love affair with Pippy Oak and Maple and Padouk - Davenport signature designs were born. Alan Baines strategic advisor introduced profit related pay scheme to the work-force. 1996 to 2001 – development of IT and CAM systems brought Davenports into modern times combining new technology with the traditional skills - continuing with innovative design – the Eye Table, Arts and Crafts with decorative veneers, Character Oak and Walnut to name just a few were developing as styles – simpler lines brought traditional into the 21st century - worktops as well as Corian were now mainly granite or composite materials. John Davenport retired in 2001 leaving the legacy of a strong talented team determined to continue the values he had dreamed about in 1978. Daughter Sarah joined us. 2001 to 2005 – development and consolidation lead to a fantastically successful year to coincide with our 25th birthday 2005 to 2008 a period of change and development working closely with Nottingham, Trent University. 2008 - Mick Davies - an integral part of Davenport for the past twenty-five - years takes the reins as Managing Director working with his daughter and Office Manager Kim. Mig and Sarah Davenport are still involved and working closely on projects to compliment the Davenport product. We also welcome designer Carolyn Ward-Daniels who brings experience and unique artistic flair to our Design Team. 2009 - A challenging year for global markets and the British Manufacturing industry in general. Davenport has chosen during this time to strengthen its highly skilled and focused workforce and develop a strong position to grasp new opportunity. Sarah Davenport following a year researching beauty and the design process - filmed by Toothpix for a docufilm - takes up her new role as Director of Communications to excite the industry and introduce catwalk couture to the Davenport kitchen... Follow Sarahs activity on Twitter - here |
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During the past thirty years we have developed in strength, expertise and experience, whilst steadfastly retaining our values and polishing their implementation