The company was established by the present owner Simon Whitpen, starting as an apprentice cabinet maker for a local family firm whilst studying at technical college and gaining City & Guild qualifications.

Progressing on to work for various fine furniture makers and joinery firms in the workshop and on site. The most enjoyable and varied work was with one of the world’s leading fine furniture makers based in Norwich with showrooms worldwide. This work including fine furniture making, machining, building jigs, veneering, marquetry and inlays in the workshop.

The onsite work included paneling work with built in secret doors in libraries, stairwells, bars, studies and drawing rooms in fine houses in London.

Unexpectedly being made redundant created an opportunity to use my skills on a self-employed basis, in the commercial building trade, working for various building groups and shop fitting firms around the country. The next step was to bring over ten years experience together with all the acquired skills, knowledge and contacts to establish Universal Carpentry & Joinery Ltd in March 2007.