Acclaimed furniture business has designs on further success with support from Clydesdale Bank

1st October 2014

The designer whose signature style can be seen in some of Glasgow’s trendiest bars is launching an international e-commerce site following increased support from Clydesdale Bank.

Designer Paul Hodgkiss, who is renowned for his artisan furniture and interiors made from home-grown wood, is establishing his online shop after obtaining a £100,000 funding package from Clydesdale Bank’s West of Scotland Business and Private Banking Centre.

The website will offer a range of wooden quaichs, kitchen utensils and furniture. Paul, who has been a Clydesdale Bank customer since establishing his business 20 years ago, recently supplied wooden quaichs to the Glasgow 2014 Games to be distributed to winning athletes. He also provided the 96 wooden handcrafted medal podiums used during the XX Commonwealth Games, as well as the medal trays.

Paul specialises in the manufacture and supply of bespoke furniture and interiors to commercial and residential customers. His company’s designs can be found in some of Glasgow’s best known bars and restaurants, including Cafe Antipasti and Meat Bar, and in distilleries ranging from Isle of Arran Distillers to Glenfiddich.

He and his team also undertake public commissions. Projects include designing and creating a consulting room within the Maggie’s Centre at Gartnavel Hospital and refurbishing the interiors of Pollokshaws Parish Church, one of Glasgow’s most significant Presbyterian landmarks.

Paul said: “The new e-commerce site is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at growing our retail operations. Together, they will enable us to increase our cash flow and put the business on a more sustainable footing. They will also help to raise the profile of our bespoke work.

“We couldn’t have completed the project without the support of Clydesdale Bank. Over the years, its team have really taken the time to get to know our business and the support we require. We are grateful for their advice and the fantastic facilities they have put in place.”

At the end of last year, the designer opened an 1800sq ft interiors boutique in south of the city, Paul Hodgkiss Designs. The store is his second retail outlet and was also supported by investment from Clydesdale Bank.

Located in a former Victorian washhouse, the new showroom stocks a range of furniture, kitchens, bathrooms and household accessories. While most of the furniture is produced by Paul’s in-house team the boutique also offers pieces by leading design houses including Matthew Hilton’s renowned Balzac armchair and rugs by Designers Guild.

The business has a turnover of £620,000 and employs 14 staff.

Deyrick Smith, Clydesdale Bank’s Head of Commercial and Small Business in the West of Scotland, said: “We are proud to support Paul Hodgkiss and his talented team.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy and have an important role to play in the ongoing economic recovery. We continue to develop our partnership with Paul and look forward to helping his business to achieve its growth plans.”