Member Article

Entrepreneurial Teesside duo launch furniture showroom following initial digital success

Teesside-based fine furniture retailer Turnbull and Thomas has expanded with a new showroom, just months after it launched online.

Lt Col Matthew Murphy RHA officially opened the venue, marking the fact its Managing Director, a former serviceman, has decided it will support military personnel.

Established by two Teesside entrepreneurs, Terence Turnbull and Gareth Thomas, the firm’s showroom is based at Studio 24/25, The Old Offices, Urlay Nook Road, Eaglescliffe.

The official opening ceremony was carried out by Lt Col Matthew Murphy, of the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, who was Mr Turnbull’s commanding officer for five of the years he was in the Army.

Lt Col Murphy said: “Terence is a great example of a talented solider having a fulfilling and successful career in the British Army and then going on to launch a thriving business.

“It was a privilege to officially open the Turnbull and Thomas fine furniture showroom and I am sure that Terence and Gareth will go on to further success with business.”

Managing Director Mr Turnbull, who was a Battery Quarter Master Sergeant when he retired from the Army, said: “It was a proud moment to have my former Commanding Officer officially open Turnbull and Thomas’s showroom and help promote what I, and Director Gareth, feel is an important element of our business and that is supporting men and women in the Armed Forces who are serving and protecting their country.”

Mr Turnbull added: “I hope our gesture not only will acknowledge the vital role played by the military in today’s society, but also allow service personnel and their families to have money to utilise elsewhere. I have personal experience of the cost of resettling and moving home that comes with being in the Services.”