Stalybridge Upholstery Firm Joins UK’s Elite Guild of Master Craftsmen

A long established Stalybridge business is celebrating national recognition after being accepted into one of the UK’s most respected craft organisations.

Valley Upholstery Ltd, based on Grosvenor Street, has been formally inducted into the Guild of Master Craftsmen, an honour achieved by fewer than five per cent of upholstery businesses nationwide.

The Guild of Master Craftsmen is known for its rigorous standards, with membership only awarded following detailed checks on workmanship, customer satisfaction and professional practice. It is widely regarded as a benchmark of quality across more than 400 skilled trades in the UK.

For Valley Upholstery, which has served customers across Tameside and the wider North West for more than 45 years, the recognition marks an important milestone.

Karl Chandler, Principal Craftsman at Valley Upholstery, said the accreditation reflects years of commitment to traditional skills that are increasingly rare.

“True upholstery is about far more than simply re-covering furniture,” he said. “It’s about restoring frames, hand tied springs and materials that are built to last. Being accepted into the Guild is independent confirmation that our work meets the highest standards, and that means a great deal to us.”

The Guild’s assessment process includes inspection of workshop practices and confidential references from past customers, ensuring members consistently deliver high quality results.

The recognition comes at a time when more homeowners are choosing to restore and reuse furniture rather than replace it. Rising costs and environmental concerns have led to growing interest in repairing cherished items instead of buying mass-produced alternatives.

Valley Upholstery works on a wide range of projects, from family heirlooms and domestic furniture to commercial seating, caravans and specialist pieces for film and television productions. Customers are able to visit the Stalybridge workshop to view fabrics and discuss projects in person.

Despite the national accolade, the business says its focus remains firmly local.

“We’ve built our reputation by serving people in this area, often working on pieces that have been in families for generations,” Karl added. “This recognition doesn’t change who we are, it reinforces what we’ve always stood for.”

Valley Upholstery Ltd is based at 40–42 Grosvenor Street, Stalybridge, and can be contacted via www.valleyupholstery.co.uk or by telephone on 0161 303 0769