REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT – HAWKE’S BAY Pair sew up major industry award
ASMALL canvasfabrication business has been recognised on the world stage for its craftsmanship. Hawkes Bay Trim and Canvas recently won an international industry award for excellence in specialty fabric application for its upholstery of a Chevrolet Bel Air car.
Owain Jones and James Simons started the Hastings-based company in 2012.
After a few years working in industrial textiles, the pair decided to go it alone, albeit on a shoestring budget.
Jones kept working at a local gibbing firm while Simons started working for the business.
‘‘We just opened the door and saw what happened. We started pretty minimalistic with a bench, a compressor and a sewing machine and a few other tools.’’
Jones joined Simons about a year down the track, once there was enough work to keep them busy.
They do everything from auto and marine upholstery to shades, screens, umbrellas and gazebos. ‘‘Our strength is our ability to cover all those areas. When one thing slows down, another picks up.’’
Repairing upholstery for secondhand car dealers keeps them going during winter, then when the suns starts to shine, customers want work done on their boats or shade sails for the garden.
Family support was crucial in getting the business off the ground, Jones said. His mum came in twice a week to help out with the book work and was training Jones’ wife so she could take it over. ‘‘Family and friends were right behind us and helped out when they could.’’
They were also a key part in initially spreading the word. ‘‘Word of mouth is by far the best form of advertising. If you do a