How it all started
Abbott-Wade Joinery was established in St Helens in 1996 by close friends Mike Wade and Craig Abbott; both highly skilled and experienced craftsman qualified to NVQ level 4 in Joinery. Following 10 years working across all aspects of joinery from the installation of floors and kitchens to loft conversions and staircases in both domestic and commercial sectors, Mike and Craig identified a need for a specialist staircase company focussing on the supply, design and installation of bespoke staircase conversions.
Thanks to the support of the Prince’s Trust, bags of ambition and hard work (and some blood, sweat and tears along the way), the dream of running their own business became a reality and Abbott-Wade Ltd now operates a nationwide service from their Warrington base.
Where are we now?
22 years after those humble beginnings, our award-winning business and ambition has grown and our vast experience is in increasing demand. We now operate a nationwide service but we hold tightly to the values which we built our company on.
We are proud to remain a family run business, employing teams which include three generations; from fathers to sons, cousins and in-laws and fitting teams all trained in-house. There are no shareholders applying pressure to maximise profits at the detriment of quality and service. Our small dedicated team, lower overheads and our commitment to more than just profitability means we are able to keep standards up and prices down. Because of the hands-on style of leadership of our Directors, Craig & Mike have trained and nurtured their handpicked workforce, instilling the same values upon them which has served their business so well for over 20 years.
So when you choose Abbott-Wade, you are not choosing another faceless corporation to work in your home, you’re choosing a family-run business with a genuine commitment to completing a quality staircase installation using craftsmen who share the same values that you do.
It is all about treating customers fairly and why we offer a great product for a fair price.
Our Team
As we’ve grown we’ve expanded our team, but rest assured, all our tradesmen have been handpicked and fully trained to meet our stringent high standards.
CRAIG ABBOTT | DIRECTOR
Co-founder who set the industry standard for staircase renovations.
A snowboarder with a taste for travel and all things French.
MIKE WADE | DIRECTOR
Co-founder and staircase pioneer, Mike set the benchmark others aspire to.
A keen football fan, cyclist and devoted dad.
LESLIE DASH | OPERATIONS MANAGER
Happiest when he’s on two wheels, Les knows more about staircases than should be humanly possible.
COLIN CAMPBELL | DESIGNER
A designer who’s seen it all, Colin’s a real gentleman who likes to get stuck in with the tools.
PETER SAMMONS | DESIGNER
A font of knowledge and meticulous in every detail, you can rely on Peter to ensure every i is dotted and every t is crossed!
JANET STEPHENS | DESIGNER
A former kitchen designer and BA cabin crew, Janet’s experience, knowledge and warm personality are just the ticket.
DAVID BOLTON | DESIGNER
All round nice guy and family man, David’s always happiest to talk staircases over a cup of tea.
STUART CORBITT | DESIGNER
Stuart knows a thing or two about staircases, having been in the industry for a number of years. A passionate family man with 5 grown up sons who loves music and good wine!
ANDY HAMILTON | CAD DESIGNER
A former Abbott-Wade fitter who’s traded in his tool box to work in our design studio.
JON ABBOTT | SPRAYER
Our very own Mr Sheen, Jon is a conscientious perfectionist which makes him the right man to prefinish our stair parts to the highest standards.
EDDIE PING | SCHEDULING
A family member & former teacher charged with keeping his new classmates in order.
LANA KAYAT | OFFICE SUPPORT
A friendly face and another family connection, Lana is a psychology graduate who keeps colleagues and clients smiling.
LEE KAY | TEAM LEADER
A current family member & former grade A student, risen through the ranks to become a top joiner and goal scorer.
ANTHONY JONES | TEAM LEADER
The prodigal son; rugby player and Dad Anthony has rejoined our family business with added experience & expertise.
BEN ROYLE | TEAM LEADER
A football loving family man with a love of the great outdoors.
ADAM ‘WIGGY’ FORKIN | AFTERCARE
Adam is passionate about his skateboards, when he’s not renovating staircases, he’s renovating camper vans.
ELLIS GRIMES | TEAM LEADER
His enthusiasm and determination means there’s no stopping this young joiner who’s destined for great things!
CHARLES TYSON | TEAM LEADER
The next generation of Abbott-Wade; Charles is a new-Dad and a keen sportsman who excels on the tools and within the touchline.
SAM BRIERLEY | FITTER
A keen golfer who never takes his eye off the ball when it comes to installing the perfect staircase.
ADAM POULTON | FITTER
Don’t let his cheeky smile fool you, Adam’s deadly serious when it comes to staircases.
MIKE BRADSHAW | FITTER
Mike oozes enthusiasm and is committed to becoming a top staircase fitter and craftsman.
LEWIS WOODER | APPRENTICE
A rising star with all the attributes for a long and happy career with us. Lewis is the new generation of Abbott-Wade with a bright future.
SIMON GARNER | FITTER
A rugby fan with lots of talent and even more potential, Simon has a bright future in the world of staircases.
DAVID ABBOTT | SHOP-FLOOR CRAFTSMAN
The elder statesman and caravanning king. A superb joiner with bags of experience.
JOHANNA WADE & MICHELLE ABBOTT | MARKETING & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
“Behind every great man there is a great woman.” Never was a truer word said!
HENRY HOOVER | CLEANING EXPERT
Helping us to maintain our status as The Tidy Tradesmen, Henry accompanies us on all our installations.
AN AWARD WINNING FAMILY BUSINESS | ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY
We aren’t all related, but among our ranks are spouses, fathers & sons, cousins and in-laws. It’s part of a unique dynamic which won us the title of best small business in the North West and winners of the Innovation & Excellence Award in the Best Bespoke Home Improvement category.
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