Business News

Quorn Pine celebrates 20th years!!

Quorn Pine is celebrating its 20th anniversary this August. Started by Steve Parker and Steve Yates on August 1st 1982, Quorn Pine has become a recognised and well-loved business in the village.

20 years ago, it was all just starting. Steve Parker was renting a workshop behind what is now Ginos Restaurant. At the time, this was owned by Peter Gough who was one of the antique dealers in the village. In the remaining space, there was a delicatessen. Meanwhile Steve Yates had just come back from London, and was working from home as he couldnt find the workshop space he wanted. Both of them were selling pine furniture at the Leicester Antique Market, but their paths never crossed.

Tired of working alone, Steve Yates sold up his stock, and went off to Spain for a while, but on his return Peter Gough contacted him as he wanted to sell his pine business. Neither he nor Steve Parker could afford the business on their own, but fortunately for Quorn, they were put in touch with each other and, after one meeting at The Griffin in Swithland, formed the partnership that has lasted 20 years with never a disagreement. Using their houses as security, they raised the £2000 needed to buy the business, and never looked back.

Over the next 10 years, the business moved around Quorn as its rapid and consistent expansion kept them looking for bigger and better premises. At one stage or another, Quorn Pine must have occupied most of the business premises in the village, with the shop in one place and the workshops in another, until 9 years ago the present site became available as the Prompt Pack factory closed down. (Before that it was a baby wear and pram shop owned by the Farnhams.) This was a big leap a bigger place to fill, with a much higher rent, but now they are bursting at the seams.

Throughout the last 20 years, the focus has always been on pine furniture of the best quality, but with other decorative items. The latest is the range of garden furniture and statues, though the pine furniture continues to be as popular as ever. When it all started, most of Quorn Pines customers came from outside of the village, but what is most pleasing to Steve and Steve is that there are now regular customers from the village, and the surrounding area.

There are now six other members of staff, most of whom have been with Quorn Pine for many years, and in a way it is a family affair as Steve Yates brother and son also work in the business. Steve Yates now spends most of his time running the shop and the business administration, while Steve Parker looks after the workshops. But both of them continue to buy the fascinating antiques and collectables that you find scattered around the shop.

So what does the next 20 years hold? As far as they are concerned Quorn Pine will continue to serve the village and surrounding areas. Steve and Steve are adamant that the personal service (they treat their customers as they want to be treated), the quality and wide range of items will continue. Over the years they have broken the rules, in that they never had a business plan, instead they have used their judgement and made the powerful partnership work to its best advantage. This flexibility surely has been the strength behind their steady and strong growth.

So congratulations to Steve, Steve, Dave, Matt and Adey, Dave, Adam and Henry long may Quorn Pine continue to be part of the village.

Quorn Pine Website : http://www.quorn-pine.co.uk/

Changes almost complete at The Apple Tree

Nearly a year ago, Pat and Steve Pitt took over as landlord and landlady of The Apple Tree. Over the last year they have set about changing the pub, and putting their own style on it. This is a new venture for the Pitts. Steve had previous experience of running a pub, but until the move to Quorn, Pat worked in Human Resources.

They are making The Apple Tree more family-friendly. Changes to the garden are now complete, with a bouncy castle available at weekends, and other childrens play facilities. For adults, there is now a regular Sky Sports feature during the week.

In the near future, The Apple Tree will be offering meals. These will include bar snacks (just right when watching the football), childrens meals, and lunches. The childrens meals are ideal as an after school or holiday treat. Food is available from 12.00pm till 2.00pm and from 5.00pm till 7.30pm.

Childrens parties can be arranged and catered for. Just phone or call in for details.
After the first year, the Pitts are pleased they moved to Quorn. They have found the village welcoming, and are looking forward to further improving The Apple Trees facilities for the village.

Update - 26th July 2002

We will be having a bonfire and firework party on Saturday, 2nd November 2002 at 7.30pm. £2.00 for adults, children are free.

We would like to thank The Quorndon for their support, and we would like to say thank you to all our customers for their lovely card and the meal that they paid for to celebrate our first year at the Apple Tree. During our first year we have been made to feel welcome and part of the village and look forward to many more happy years here.

Regards

Pat Pitt
Apple Tree

Quorn WorkNet Continues

Quorn WorkNet continues to meet on the first Monday of the month, from 12.45 - 13.45, in the Quorndon Fox. Meetings are open to all self-employed or teleworkers in Quorn and surrounding villages.

In the coming months, apart from the social lunches, we will be having informal presentations/Q&A sessions on Marketing through the Internet, Government policy on Small Businesses, Protect your business - keep the viruses out!, Small business finances (in time for tax returns) and planning for the future.

For more details call Karenna Galer on 01509 412144 or email to karenna.galercoombes@btinternet.com