On this Small & Medium Enterprises Day, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve had & the incredible people who have supported us along the way. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the dedication of our team, the trust of our customers, and the collaboration of our partners.
Our Story: A Foundation Built on Values
We’ve come a long way since Kirwin & Simpson started operating in 1945, when founder Bernard Simpson first began re-upholstering cinema seating using small parachute off-cuts in an effort to help the local cinemas who could not maintain their dilapidated seats due to war effort rationing.
What started as Bernard Simpson’s clear and honest mission to deliver real value without cutting corners has grown into an 80-year family-run business built on trust, craft, and care.
Being a small family business means we’re not just a company; we’re a close-knit team. Many of us have worked together for decades, and that generational knowledge runs deep. It’s this shared experience that allows us to do what we do best: support the performing arts and education sectors with seating that’s designed to last. From iconic theatres to lecture halls across the country, our work is woven into the fabric of spaces that bring people together. We’re proud to be part of an industry that enriches lives and contributes to both local communities and the wider economy, and we remain committed to doing so with integrity, quality, and heart.
K&S Team members at our Factory in Grays
Why SMEs Matter: Our Role in the Community
SMEs like ours make up the backbone of the economy, and today we celebrate not just our achievements, but the impact we’ve had on the communities we serve. As an SME, we understand the incredible value that businesses like ours bring to the table. We are proud to say that we prioritize local hiring, collaborating with suppliers from our regions of operation, and investing back into the community.
A Commitment to Innovation and Tradition
Let’s be honest: being a small business comes with its challenges. Limited resources, rising costs, and navigating market changes can be difficult. But at Kirwin & Simpson, we don’t shy away from these challenges. Instead, we see them as opportunities to innovate, adapt, and improve.
At Kirwin & Simpson, we’ve learned to blend the best of both worlds: tradition and innovation. From our work at the modern R.O. Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York supplying 1,000 brand new seats to facilitate over 69 various configurations, through to our work at the historical Belfast Grand Opera House, designing a range of chairs that combined modern technological advances with visuals that do not look out of place in a nineteenth century building.
While we honour the tried-and-true methods that have earned our clients’ trust over the years, we are constantly working to stay ahead of the curve; like with upgrading our manufacturing systems and introducing cutting-edge products. By using digital tools and data-driven insights such as our online maintenance app, Chair Checker, which allows for theatre managers & technicians to perform a variety of actions from the web or app in real-time, we aim to deliver even more value to our customers and stay nimble in an increasingly complex market.
The landscape may change, but our commitment to the values that matter most; quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction remains unwavering.
Sustainability: A Core Principle
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword to us; it’s a core principle woven into the fabric of everything we do. As a business, we are fully aware of our environmental responsibility, and we take proactive steps to minimize our impact. Whether it’s reducing waste in our operations, sourcing sustainable materials, or finding ways to improve energy efficiency, we are constantly striving to be better.
We’re also committed to supporting sustainable practices in the industries we work with, ensuring that we’re part of the solution for a greener, more responsible future.
Looking to the Future
As we look ahead, we’re excited about the future. Our plans include expanding our reach, introducing new product offerings, and continuing to invest in our people and technology. But no matter how much we grow, we will always stay true to our roots and the values that got us here.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to many more years of success, sustainability, and growth.
