In the frame for a makeover

HELEN STONER VISITS A COMPANY WHERE TRADITION AND TALENT GO ARM IN ARM

Published in The Shropshire Magazine  January 2012 issue

Severn Oak Timber Ltd is a family business specialising in handcrafted bespoke designs using techniques based on 17th-century methods that nevertheless meet all of today’s requirements.

The friendly team of professional craftsmen, innovative designers and office staff are passionate about designing and creating beautiful timber-frame structures that combine structural integrity with individual style. Will Onions, Severn Oak’s managing director, founded the company in 2004 and is a trained cabinet maker with over 20 years experience in timber framing. Will’s expertise and passion underpins Severn Oak’s continued drive for exceptional product quality and workmanship. Will’s wife Nicky is Severn Oak’s sales and operations director. Nicky left her job as country house sales co-ordinator with respected estate agents Savills in 2010, to work full time with her husband.

Among her responsibilities is customer liaison from the initial enquiry through every stage to project completion. Nicky says: “Severn Oak’s philosophy is to exceed our customer’s expectations, offering a good old-fashioned personal approach, with open and honest communication. What sets us apart are our commitment, knowledge, experience, craftsmanship and reliability.” Bob Hall, non-executive director of the company, became involved after being excited by the couple’s passion for the business.

“When design, craftsmanship and passion combine the sheer majesty of the finished product takes your breath away,” says Bob. “In this modernist world of steel, glass and mass-produced panel construction it is refreshing to discover oak-framed buildings still being built by true craftsmen. “I first met Will and Nicky Onions – ‘Mr and Mrs Oak Frame’ – at a local hostelry a few years ago. Right from the start, I knew there was something completely different about this couple. Will is apretty tall chap with a frame that resembles the size of the buildings he makes. The most striking thing about him, however,is not his huge hands, wood chips on his clothes, the tattoos or the blond locks – but the softly spoken passion that comes across when he talks about oak and the projects he is working on. “Nicky is clearly a ‘people person’ and helping her customers obtain the building they had originally dreamt about is what makes her get out of bed in the morning.

DREAMS

“All three of us quickly started sharing the common challenges associated with growing a business in this difficult economic climate and making a living as caring, considerate local entrepreneurs. The more we talked, the more intrigued I became about the beautiful buildings they were creating and the way in which the business was managed in order to realize their customer’s dreams.” Bob visited them to discover more about what they were doing. “What I found was a highly focused company employing local folk developing their specialized oak craftsmanship under Will’s expert leadership. “The finished results were truly stunning. Lots of beautiful beams handhewn so that they fitted together perfectly in intricate designs. Different shades of light creeping in through the clever extensive use of glass, creating a meld between nostalgia and contemporary design features.

“Time has now moved on and many more discussions have taken place on trying to put the world to rights. I am pleased to say that I am now a director of the company as Will and Nicky seemed to appreciate a sounding board for new ideas and kindly welcomed some of my business suggestions with open arms. “I am very excited about the future as I can see how just how much more can be done to create beautiful new living spaces at a fraction of the cost – and without the upheaval – of moving house.