“It was when I had to miss my son’s first day at school due to work commitments, and then his swimming gala finals, that I decided I needed a change of lifestyle,” says Derek Lamb.
Derek is talking me through the story behind his business, Harvey Bruce Interiors, in Uphall. It is a small but beautiful and inspiring local showroom, and he has just launched on online shop so the range available is massively expanded. Derek had started out working as an estimator for a large blinds and curtains company. “I moved on to sales manager within about four years and was travelling a lot, working on both domestic and commercial blinds accounts.”
At the point he set up his own businesses, he had a lot of experience in the industry, knew the best suppliers, the best products and how they perform, and the best ways to select and install for a variety of applications. “I’d had in mind to run my own business for a long time, so I handed in my notice at work and launched!” The business started off as an add-on service to a colleague’s home improvements company, but three years ago Derek relaunched as Harvey Bruce at his own premises at Williamson’s in Uphall.
“Whilst blinds and shutters are the core of the business, I wanted to be able to offer a full interiors service. I found a supplier of original and quirky items, so the items we stock are unique; we generally only buy in one of each item, so you’ll never find your neighbour has got the same thing.” The showroom is cleverly set up into different room sets, and the stock changes regularly. You come here for inspiration, ideas, and definitely something unique.
In the brand new Harvey Bruce online shop, you can now browse a huge range of home accessories, soft furnishings, furniture and other interior design elements besides what is physically on the showroom floor - all in the same quirky style.
With a reputation for quality, customer service and value for money, the business is thriving. It’s hard work, but when not at work Derek can be found on one of our local golf courses. His family are now all involved in the business to varying degrees too, and will be delighted to help you with your interiors project.
See www.harveybruce.co.uk for more information and for the online shop.
Please visit the showroom at:
G4 Williamson’s Garden Centre
Mains Holdings, Uphall, EH52 6PA
Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm; Saturday - 10am – 4pm; Sunday - 11am - 3pm
Tel: 0800 756 5286
Published in Konect November 2019
Author: Helen-Jane Shearer