Closure prompts interior design team to launch new firm

A new interior design firm has been launched by staff from a previous company which closed down last year.

Chapter 9 Design in Redditch has been born out of Claude Hooper which ceased trading following the retirement of its eponymous founder.

It has set up shop on the Moons Moat industrial estate after agreeing a six-year lease on a 1,756 sq ft office in Croft House.

Senior interior designer Sarah Clements said: "After the retirement of Claude Hooper, we decided that we wanted to use our experienced team and bring fresh ideas and creativity to our clients.

"Our stylish and attractive designs can play a big role in highlighting the strengths of a new home.

"We took our proposal to a leading local businessman, Stephen Lomas, and he agreed to back us and come on board as the managing director.

"With his support and our experience, we are now securing work all over the country so being based in Redditch at the heart of the UK motorway system is hugely useful and gives us national reach."

James Haynes, apprentice surveyor at Redditch property agency John Truslove, worked with the firm on sourcing a new office.

He said: "It is great to see such a talented and committed team of people creating their own new business and we are delighted to have been able to help them find the right premises.