A family-run Bristol upholstery business has expanded its operations by 70% and its manufacturing capacity by 40% with a £862,000 funding package from a Lloyds Bank.
Bedminster-based Southwest Upholstery, which repairs, recovers and manufactures seating, has benefited from a 30% increase in demand as summer trading picks up among its key hospitality and leisure customers. 
To embrace this opportunity, the business approached Lloyds Bank – with the funding package enabling it to buy a CNC machine and increase its total operating space by 75%.
The new technology will help Southwest Upholstery produce an additional 2,500 units a year.
Founded in 1999 and now run by the third generation of the Ball family, the firm employs 25 people offering a wide range of upholstery, re-upholstery, new furniture and soft furnishings to commercial and domestic customers.
Its contract customers include pubs, clubs, hotels and restaurants, as well as reupholstery for motorhomes, caravans and boats. Other services include foam replacement, furniture spraying and French polishing.
As a result of the new equipment and increased capacity, the business – which started in founder John Ball’s garden shed – expects to increase its turnover from £3.5m last year to £4.5m this year. 
The firm has also recently launched its own academy in order to secure future craftsmen. Using its purpose-built training area for its upholsterers, it plans to bring on three apprentices this year.
Southwest Upholstery director Ryan Ball, grandson of founder John, said: “Upholstery isn’t always at the forefront of innovation so it’s crucial we introduce the changes needed to secure the next generation of craftsmanship.
“Like all businesses, we have peaks and dips in demand so it’s vital we adapt quickly to provide a reliable service for customers.”
He said the support from Lloyds Bank had allowed the firm to lay down foundations that will fuel growth for the next five to 10 years.
“It will also inject a new lease of life into our manufacturing process through state-of-the-art technology that will help us provide a continued quality product to our customers.,” he added.
The business has also recently received separate funding to invest in its green credentials by installing 40 solar panels on the roof of its headquarters. The 14KW capacity panels will have the power to service 60% of its energy needs.
Lloyds Bank relationship manager at John Howell said manufacturers like Southwest Upholstery had been at the forefront of a variety of economic challenges over the past two years.
“So, it’s encouraging to see a business like Southwest Upholstery making moves to futureproof and streamline its operations while taking advantage of seasonal uplift in demand,” he added.
“We’re proud to support a local business like this that continues to showcase the gold standard within their trade, and we look forward to seeing them embrace new growth opportunities for years to come.”
