Lee Haigh, Sales Manager at Sherborne Upholstery, talks about his role, admiration for Sherborne’s Chairman, current trends and the importance of British manufacturing.
Let’s start with you. Can you share a bit about yourself and your background?
At the age of 16, after leaving school, I began an upholstery apprenticeship with Knightsbridge furniture productions while attending Jacob Kramer collage for three years. During this time, I achieved an advanced City & Guilds Qualification in upholstery. After eight years, I joined Sherborne Upholstery, where I have proudly worked for the past 26 years and have enjoyed every stage of my career.
During my time at Sherborne, I have worked across a variety of departments, including cutting sewing and upholstery within the leather division. I have always appreciated that Sherborne manufactures its products in-house rather than outsourcing, as it reflects the company’s commitment to quality and craftmanship. As I gained experience, I was able to share my knowledge by supporting and training across the business. Progressing to the role of production manager gave me invaluable leadership experience
What is your current job role and key responsibilities?
My current job is Sales Manager I support our talented sales representatives by accompanying them on customer relationships, and helping to identify new business opportunities. I work closely with our customers to ensure their needs are understood and met, while collaborating with our design team to deliver solutions that align with customer requirements. By maintaining strong communication across sales, design and our customers, I help ensure projects progress smoothly and that the entire team continues moving forward together.
What do you love about your job?
The people are what make this job so rewarding for me. I believe that having a great team is the main reason I enjoy my role so much. I’m fortunate to work alongside supportive colleagues who are always willing to help each other succeed. Because of my previous role, I still have close connections with our production team and am always happy to offer support whenever its needed. I also really enjoy the exhibitions and shows we attend, as they give me the opportunity to meet new people, strengthen customer relationships, and showcase what we do. Moving into sales has been a completely new challenge for me, but one that I have embraced. I genuinely enjoy my role and look forward to continuing to develop my skills while contributing to the success of the team.
What time is your alarm clock set for?
I’m an early riser, and my day starts at 05.15am with a walk around the reservoir with my dog, it’s a great way to clear my mind and prepare for the day ahead. I like to be in the office by 07.30am, ready to get started and make the most of the day.
Why did you choose to work in the furnishing industry?
When I was younger, my father was a self-employed joiner working from an old mill that was also home to a small upholstery business. When I was around 13 years old, one Saturday morning he asked me if I could lend a hand, and that’s where my journey into upholstery began. From that moment, I knew I wanted a career where I could work with my hands. I was fascinated by the skill and craftmanship involved in transforming an old, worn-out sofa into something that looked new while preserving its original style, character, and elegance. That early experience sparked a passion for upholstery that has stayed with me throughout my career.
Who do you most admire in the industry and why?
I admire many people within the furniture industry most of them I have the privilege to be working closely with now, but if I had to choose one, it would be our chairman, Chris Fort. Throughout my time at Sherborne, he has consistently demonstrated that he values and puts employees first. A great example of this is his decision to transfer a significant proportion of the company into an Employee Ownership Trust. This ensures that the people who contribute to Sherborne’s success have a real stake in its future, reflecting his commitment to supporting the workforce and securing the long-term success of the business.
Have there been any special moments during your career?
One of the highlights of my career so far has been voted Best Newcomer with the Big Furniture Group Awards, it was a real honour because the award was decided by furniture retailers and people from across the industry. Knowing that I had been recognised by customers, peers and industry professionals made the achievement even more meaningful and is something I am incredibly proud of.
What is your favorite item of furniture you own and why?
My favourite item of furniture is my leather Leyburn recliner it’s so comfy and still has the fantastic leather smell.
What do you think is trending within the industry at present?
Comfort is definitely one of the biggest trends at the moment. People want furniture that not only looks stylish but also supports everyday living, whether that’s reclining sofas and chairs, ergonomic seating, high- quality, British-made furniture. Customers are looking for products that are built to last, offer excellent craftsmanship, and can be tailored with wide choice of fabrics and leathers to suit their home and personal style.
What would you change in the industry?
I believe there’s still more we can do to protect and promote British manufacturing. We have a proud heritage of craftmanship, innovation, and expertise, and it’s something we should continue to invest in and celebrate. I also think it’s important to encourage more young people to consider a career in furniture manufacturing. From my own experience, I know it can be an incredibly rewarding industry to be part of, offering a wide range of career opportunities- from skilled craftmanship and production to design, sales, and management. By investing in the next generation and showcasing the opportunities available, we can help ensure these valuable Skills continue to thrive for many years to come.
Can you share an insight into your future plans?
My future plans are to keep innovating, driving progress, and contributing to the company’s growth and success, I am committed to helping move the business forward by embracing new ideas, improving processes, supporting the achievement of our shared goals. I also plan to continue working closely with our sales team and our customers to better understand their needs, strengthen relationships, and help deliver solutions that create value for both customers and the business.
What do you enjoy most outside of work / free time?
I love spending time with my family in the lake District, where we enjoy making the most of the outdoors. One of my favourite hobbies is wakeboarding, which I have been doing for many years. I really enjoy being out on the water, and it’s a great way to relax, stay active, and spend quality time with family and friends.
What might someone not know about you?
That I have worked in the upholstery industry throughout my entire working life!
If you had a different career, what would it be?
It would definitely be something based around the water, ideally working with boats. It’s an area I’ve always enjoyed and would love the opportunity to be involved in professionally.
Finally, if you were an item of furniture, what would it be and why?
I’d be our modern Dakota Cloud comfort. Its distinctive design stands out from the crowd, while providing a cosy, welcoming place to relax,
Five Fun qs:
1) If you could hack into any one computer, whose computer would you choose and why?
Probably, the late Robin Williams, chaotic brilliance, and his fantastic quotes.
2) What fact amazes you every time you think of it?
The amount of clothes my teenage daughter can fit on her bedroom floor and has officially retired from being a floor to now a wardrobe.
3) What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
Buying a jet ski after returning from a lad’s holiday in Magaluf in my early twenties. It was a spur-of-the -moment decision, but it turned out to be one of the best purchases I’ve ever made and fuelled my love of being out on the water.
4) What is the most important object you own and why?
I’d have to say my iphone. It helps me stay connected by keeping on top of emails and keeping in touch with friends and family. It’s something I rely on every day, both for work and for staying connected with people who matter the most.
5) What did you think was cool when you were young but isn’t cool now?
When I was younger, I thought my first yellow waterproof Sony Walkman cassette player was the coolest thing, it went everywhere with me at the time.
