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We spoke to owner Paul Rathkey to find out why customers seek him out and what makes him and his company so special.
ONLY BESPOKE WILL DO
Paul, what’s your role in Rathkey’s?
I manage and organise a team of five staff and ensure the safe and creative making of bespoke furniture to the client’s requirement. I meet clients at their premises and discuss in detail what their options are and putting forward ideas.
When was Rathkeys established?
The limited company has been running five years although been trading for nine years.
Where did you train?
I went to Rycotewood College where I did a diploma in Furniture & Design. I was head hunted by David Linley Furniture Limited, the owner of which is Viscount Linley, the Queen’s nephew, where I worked for the next ten years making bespoke fine furniture for some very rich and famous people. The furniture manufactured was fine inlay work and precise cabinet making!
Describe your typical day
From the moment I arrive in work, at 8am most days, I begin answering phoncalls and ensuring that the boys all have enough work to keep themselves busy all day.
I also have to ensure that all orders for materials are placed in plenty of time to ensure we have the correct stock and materials to complete the jobs we have. In between all of this I have to answer any telephone calls that are received during the day and help the boys with any technical problems that may occur and also visit clients.
Do you see any trends developing?
Recently, the call for contemporary furniture as opposed to traditional furniture has been in higher demand, working with more oak and walnut furniture. A large proportion of our work is for bespoke kitchens in natural timber or hand painted finishes.
Do you enjoy your job?
I am passionate about wood and making bespoke furniture. I get a sense of immense satisfaction when we create beautiful products. I love the feel of the timber when the furniture is completed and enjoy seeing the faces of satisfied customers, many of whom have become firm friends.
Who inspires you?
My wife – she is my driving passion and supports me the most.
What was your proudest moment?
After the birth of my two beautiful children, Oliver and Lucy, it was making furniture for David Linley as the level of workmanship that had to be achieved was absolute perfection.
How do you get most of your work?
We are pleased to say that we have had regular work and are very lucky that clients have highly recommended us to new potential customers, even allowing us to show clients their houses and the quality of work we produce.
What do you do when you’re not creating beautiful furniture?
We enjoy eating out and if we’re shopping on a Saturday afternoon in Cowbridge we’ll often pop into Bar 44 to relax with a refreshing drink and tapas food. I like to keep fit and enjoy running, swimming and cycling.
What are your future plans?
To continue to give an excellent service to our clients.
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