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 | SALES MANAGER
A designer who’s seen it all, Colin’s a real gentleman who likes to get stuck in with the tools.
CHRIS DAVIES | DESIGNER
Looking after our clients in the North West, Chris splits his time between the joys of being a Grandfather and designing beautiful staircases.
MAX DAVIES | DESIGNER
A talented musician, Max has grown up in the staircase industry and developed into a fine designer under the watchful eye of father & fellow Designer Chris Davies,
RAY MCMILLAN | DESIGNER
Serving our clients from the East Midlands to East Anglia & London, Ray is a big personality with a real enthusiasm for stairs.
JANET STEPHENS | DESIGNER
A former kitchen designer and BA cabin crew, Janet’s experience, knowledge and warm personality are just the ticket.
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!
ROGER BURTON | DESIGNER
Our clients in London and the South East are in good hands with this experienced staircase designer and true gentleman.
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!
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.
JOE STOCKER | CAD DESIGNER
Joe has a creative eye and ensures all our new flights are designed and manufactured to the exact specifications.
DAVID ABBOTT | SHOP-FLOOR CRAFTSMAN
The elder statesman and caravanning king. A superb joiner with bags of experience.
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.
ADAM FORKIN | STAIRCASE TECHNICIAN
A true artist with a chisel, Adam is the absolute definition of a craftsman.
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.
ANTHONY JONES | TEAM LEADER
The prodigal son; rugby player and Dad Anthony has rejoined our family business with added experience & expertise.
ELLIS GRIMES | TEAM LEADER
His enthusiasm and determination means there’s no stopping this young joiner who’s destined for great things!
LEE KAYAT | TEAM LEADER
A current family member & former grade A student, risen through the ranks to become a top joiner and goal scorer.
LEWIS WOODER | FITTER
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.
ADAM POULTON | AFTERCARE
Don’t let his cheeky smile fool you, Adam’s deadly serious when it comes to staircases.
SIMON GARNER | FITTER
A rugby fan with lots of talent and even more potential, Simon has a bright future in the world of staircases.
JASON VASQUEZ | FITTER
A hugely talented craftsman who honed his trade in the boat industry. You’re guaranteed plain sailing with Jason on board.
MIKE BRADSHAW | WAREHOUSE & WORKSHOP
Mike oozes enthusiasm and is committed to attaining the highest standards.
JAKE TAYLOR | FITTER
An all round nice guy, Jake is a welcome addition to our team.
CHARLIE BOARDMAN | FITTER
A thrill seeking adventurer, Charlie loves nothing more than the great outdoors after a hard week making your indoors look great.
DANIEL LANGHORN | FITTER
An experienced staircase fitter who loves his work. Dan is a welcome addition to our team.
KANE BARROW | TRAINEE
Just starting out on anew adventure, Kane is showing great promise.
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 National Champion at the National Family Business Awards and winners of numerous coveted accolades.