A creative approach to doing business
Trowbridge sells contemporary and traditional artworks in a variety of styles, finishes and colours, all of which offer bespoke framing options. The company, whose HQ is in Crowborough, supplies some of the world’s finest hotels, residential and commercial spaces. Eileen Leahy meets its Managing Director Nicola Parkhurst to discover more about this creative business…
It’s a sunny Monday afternoon when I meet Nikki Parkhurst, MD of Trowbridge at the global company’s headquarters in Crowborough.
The established art business boasts two sites on the Sybron Way industrial estate: a production and distribution unit and a sizable HQ where all the designers, accountants, marketing people are based. Every order the company receives is handmade to order here.
In addition to this, Trowbridge also has an impressive gallery on the Kings Road, which is its official shop window for potential clients.
“Our core business is B2B,” explains Nicola as we head upstairs and past lots of eye-catching framed artwork towards her office.
“We mainly deal with residential, commercial and hospitality projects. We are priced at the higher end of the scale but our quality is unmatched.”
Nicola, who has worked for the company for the past 19 years, has gradually worked her way through the ranks. She started out part-time in the finance department when her children were young and then went full-time a few years later. Having worked hard and taking opportunities when they presented themselves, she eventually gained the coveted role of MD after a restructuring took place following the death of Trowbridge’s founder Martin Trowbridge in 2022.
Martin started the company in the 1981 in his parents’ garage and from there steadily grew the business. Since then the company has expanded exponentially and now sells worldwide.
Since taking charge two and a half years ago, Nicola tells me she has made a number of key changes to further enhance the success of the premium artwork business which spans many aesthetic genres.
“One of the first things we implemented when I started my role was to create a Customer Success team. This has been instrumental in improving our clients’ journey with us and ensuring they receive the level of service we are known for.”
Trowbridge staff are well looked after too with complimentary lunches provided to employees every day.
“After Martin died, his wife Louise made it clear she wanted to continue improving the welfare of the staff,” explains Nicola. “She suggested the free lunches. She expects everyone to come in and work hard, but to also achieve that all-important work/life balance. We also offer complimentary membership to our private medical insurance scheme to all staff. We like to think of ourselves as a family.”
The Trowbridge HQ team also do a four-day week which Nicola says has been ‘very beneficial for everybody’.
In addition to their main offices and the Kings Road space, Trowbridge also has a12,000 square foot showroom at High Point in North Carolina. This, Nicola tells me, is the largest furniture trade show in the world.
“It is very much a focal point of the business as it is so influential given so many interior designers, retailers and brands visit it.”
The US is by far the company’s biggest market and although it ships globally, Nicola reveals they are looking to eventually expand into the Middle East, specifically the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dabi and potentially Saudi Arabia.
“There are lots of opportunities there for us.”
Trowbridge ships anything between 200 and 1000 pieces a week from its huge library of works, which includes everything from high quality Picasso prints and gilded chinoiserie, to stunning abstract photos and sophisticated triptychs.
When I ask Nicola how many pieces of artwork are in the Trowbridge collection she says the figure is heading towards 35,000.
She also tells me they are introducing an exciting AI function on their website where clients can upload their mood board.
“The pioneering technology will analyse its colours to match them to specific Trowbridge artworks. This feature is very unique to us and we are due to roll it out shortly. This will help combat one of the main issues that many of our designers face, which is that there is too much choice, so the AI tech will narrow it down and in turn, simplify their job.”
What does Nicola enjoy most about her job?
“The people,” she responds without hesitating. “I am very much a people person and I think that’s why I have been here for nearly two decades. We like our staff – and also our clients – to feel valued.
“We are a company that has been very successful without the use of additional marketing, due to our tenacious team, our High Point showroom and Kings Road Gallery. We always strive to be as personable as possible with our clients and are always looking for ways to improve their relationship with us.”
GET IN TOUCH:
Website: www.trowbridgegallery.com
Socials: @trowbridgeart
