Member Article

Barnsley craftsman bringing bespoke furniture to South Yorkshire

Reece Van Sanden, the Barnsley-based designer behind the Van Sanden design firm, is crafting himself a new niche as he turns his hand to bespoke furniture for South Yorkshire homes and businesses.

The designer and cabinetmaker, who has been operating in Barnsley since relocating his business from London in 2011, has been carrying out home improvement projects in the area for the last five years.

However, Reece is now following his passion and refocusing his efforts on creating individual items of furniture after building his business around kitchen and bathroom installations.

Some of his most recent projects have included beds, cabinets, seating and Wendy houses utilising materials such as wood, steel, concrete and glass, and has also been tasked with corporate projects for business fit outs.

Making use of Enterprising Barnsley’s support service, Van Sanden is also looking to expand its online presence utilising social media and a new website, and also has plans for a new email database to carry out further marketing efforts.

Commenting on the new business direction and support of Barnsley Council’s business and development arm, Reece said: “I’ve always relied on word of mouth for my home improvement work, but I needed help to spread the word about the bespoke furniture side. I want people to know that factory-made furniture taken straight from a production line is not their only option.

“I’ve worked hard to be outstanding in my trade, but I’m not always so good with the business side of things, so the support I’ve had from Enterprising Barnsley has been crucial.”

Currently based out of his workshop on Doncaster Road after previously occupying space in Sheffield and Denby Dale, Reece is now looking to recruit an apprentice to whom he can impart his knowledge and help grow his business further.

Angela Pedley, business development manager at Enterprising Barnsley, is backing Van Sanden’s expansion plans and dubbed Reece ‘a very skilled craftsman’.

She added: “Although he built a successful business in a related field installing kitchens and so on, it’s great to see him now put his passion into his first love of creating home furnishings, and we’re delighted to be supporting his business growth.”